WPM Journalist - Wyoming State Government Journalist

Date Posted	November 20, 2023
Industry	Radio
Specialty	Not Specified
Job Status	Not Specified

Description:

POSITION BACKGROUND

Wyoming was one of seven states to receive State Government Coverage CPB funding to fill gaps identified in the State Government Coverage in Public Media survey commissioned by CPB and published in 2022  The survey found that while public media stations in all 50 states provide original state government reporting at least weekly when their legislatures are in session, five states lacked a full-time state government beat reporter based at a public media station. Through this two-year grant, Wyoming Public Media will partner with Jackson Hole Community Radio to add a multi-platform journalist covering state government and a full-time digital content coordinator, to ensure the coverage reaches the broadest audience possible.

This position specifically was created to bring state government alive through digital interaction that explains how everyday Wyomingites are affected by statehouse activity.

JOB PURPOSE:

Lead the journalism activities of the CPB-funded State Government media collaboration focusing on special assignments such as state government operation, legislation, impacts and community associations: provide reports for broadcast and digital dissemination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and coordinate day-to-day activity of the collaboration to highlight the importance and impact of state government decisions on the citizens of Wyoming.  Work with Wyoming Public Media and Jackson Hole Community Radio reporters and editors to ensure that legislative activity is tracked and reported. Monitor project content and activity for adherence to journalistic standards and a commitment to diversity coverage and practices.
• Develop consistent state government coverage and content that both informs and involves Wyoming citizens in the governance process. Conduct live interviews, streaming and in-person events.
• Research and provide background material for legislative activity that helps educate citizens.  Work with Digital Coordinator to generate effective educational material for the web and other digital applications. Report both audio and digital stories. news magazines and podcasts.
• Initiate and moderate discussions in local and regional forums pertaining to state government issues.  Utilize on-site and electronic settings to bring together diverse constituencies.
• Work with project leadership and business managers to accurately capture costs and activities.
• Identify statewide media and public organizations and develop statewide partnerships.
• Monitor control room operations and collaborate to make improvements.  Assist in station management. Follow station/network strategic organizational plans.
• Provide year-long coverage and in-depth reporting on Wyoming’s legislature in Cheyenne and its impacts on Wyoming communities. Follow major bills throughout the year to track their progress and effectiveness for the constituencies they affect. Cover legislative sessions for local, state, and national audiences.  Pay attention to issues developing in the state house.
• Travel to and from meetings and other events to gather news.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability
• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Stress Tolerance
• Work Standards
• Formal Presentation Skills
• Consistency

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:

This position is based in Cheyenne to facilitate State Government Reporting with remote connections to Laramie.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field.
• Experience:  3 years of reporting experience in a broadcast position in radio and multi-media platforms.
• Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:  Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong news judgment, flexibility, and ability to manage ongoing and new projects.
• Knowledge of AP style and NPR journalism practices.
• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of public media journalism.
• Strong knowledge of Wyoming, its state government, issues, cultures, and people.
• Proven skill in newsroom operations, including news writing, assigning, editing, fact-checking, hosting, announcing.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse teams of reporters and producers working in radio, digital platforms, and social media.
• Knowledge of new media applications, ability to learn quickly, solve, and apply solutions.
• Working knowledge of Spanish.
• Ability to reside in Cheyenne or Laramie.
• Positive, can-do attitude.  Be collaborative, communicative and ask for help when needed.

Learn more about Wyoming Public Media.

Learn more about Jackson Hole Community Radio

Learn more about the University of Wyoming

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

This position will remain open until filled. 

Complete the online application, upload the following, and email requested work samples to Diana Denison at ddenison@uwyo.edu for a complete application:

• Cover letter
• Resume or C.V.
• Contact information for four work related references.
• Work Samples to include link or MP3 files of announcing examples.

HIRING STATEMENT:

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/.