WPSU

WPSU reports on the critical issues facing our 13-county region of central Pennsylvania, especially in the areas of education, the arts, economic development, rural issues, health care, the environment, agriculture and politics. Our reporters’ stories regularly air statewide, thanks to close partnerships with other Pennsylvania public media stations. We also file stories for National Public Radio (NPR).

WPSU is located in the hometown of Penn State University and licensed to the university. State College is a vibrant college town full of cultural opportunities and surrounded by natural beauty and recreation opportunities. The public schools are excellent, and it’s known as a good place to raise a family. New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and D.C. are all within a 3-5 hour drive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pitch, report, write and produce daily news stories, feature stories and interviews for radio and the web.

• Serve as on-air host for All Things Considered. Hosting experience preferred, but we will train the right candidate who already has strong reporting skills and good delivery.

• Write, edit and deliver on-air newscasts during shift.

• Gather audio, take photos and videos, and use AP style in writing.

• Use audio editing software to put together stories for air. (WPSU uses Hindenburg and Adobe Audition.)

• Contact, interview and cultivate relationships with a diverse array of sources.

• Take part in on-air fundraising.

• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing, editing and interviewing skills.

• Engaging and fluid on-air hosting presence.

• Ability to run broadcast boards preferred, but will train the right candidate.

• Ability to meet frequent deadlines and juggle multiple projects.

• Good news judgment and a passion for local news.

• A commitment to ethical, accurate journalism.

• Familiarity with public media journalism preferred.

• Multimedia experience preferred; basic photography skills required.

• Experience supporting/advancing diversity and inclusion.

• Self-motivated enough to work alone, but collaborative enough to work with a team.

• Ability to work some nights and weekends, as news requires.

• Familiarity with central Pennsylvania preferred.

• Reporter must have access to transportation in order to travel for stories.

• A valid driver’s license and standard background checks are required.

Education and Experience:

This position will be filled at a level 2 or level 3 depending upon the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. Typically requires a Bachelor’s or higher plus 1 year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 2. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs.

This is a fixed-term appointment funded for two years from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding.

WPSU offers excellent benefits through Penn State, including generous time off, a choice between state pension or TIAA-CREF retirement benefits with 9.29% employer match, health insurance and a 75% Penn State tuition discount (for the employee, their spouse and dependent children up to 26 years old).

Additional Information: To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume and links or files for three recent stories (preferably radio or TV).

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.