Senior Reporter, D.C. Politics

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Audio Editing

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-ExemptHybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Reporters in WAMU’s newsroom help carry out our regional news initiatives across broadcast and digital platforms. In consultation with newsroom editors, reporters develop sources and deepen and shape coverage for their assigned beats. Coverage will include narrative-driven, sound-rich breaking news, day-turn stories, explainers, two-ways, features and other enterprise work for audio and the web.

The Senior Reporter, DC Politics must have a passion for and deep expertise in politics in D.C. and the surrounding region as well as an extensive network of political sources. The Senior Reporter must have strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and contextualize often complex political narratives.  The position will lead coverage initiatives and be the primary backup for the Politics Hour host, and Senior Editor.  The Senior Reporter will regularly share their knowledge with other staff members, particularly serving as a mentor and resource for less experienced reporters or those new to regional coverage.

This position focuses primarily on D.C. politics, playing a leading role in coverage of the mayor, D.C. Council, and other local institutions that shape life in this city. As part of the politics team, the Senior Reporter will also occasionally assist in coverage and projects about politics beyond the District.

The position requires curiosity, motivation, and a deep professional interest in local news. The Senior Reporter, DC Politics should have strong editorial judgment and the ability to write quickly, clearly, and with a distinctive and appealing style. In addition to beat coverage, all reporters will maintain regular breaking news shifts. 

Essential Functions:

1.) Report and Write Political-based Stories for On-Air and Online

• Evaluate leads, monitor major news developments, and contribute story ideas, or receive assignments from an editor.

• Determine a web and/or broadcast story's emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly.

• Report both at a desk and in the field; collaborate with other reporters, as needed.

• Write 3-5 broadcast/newscast and web pieces per week, and regularly contribute features and enterprise work.

• Cover at least one breaking news shift per week.

• Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.

2.) Serve as a Back-up Editor for Audi