Job Description
Join the team amplifying journalism in the Pacific Northwest!
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
We are hiring a State Government Reporter who will be a primary source of news on Washington state government . This position is part of the Northwest News Network, a regional collaboration of public media stations in Washington state and Oregon that includes KUOW and KNKX. This position will lead and inform coverage of the Washington State Legislature, the governor's office, state agencies, and other state entities - and will look beyond the capitol dome to focus on the people affected by officials' decisions
KUOW (https://www.kuow.org/) is in partnership with KNKX to provide essential coverage of state government, public policy, and politics for public radio and digital audiences across western Washington and the broader region. We are seeking a State Government Reporter to lead that coverage from our shared Olympia Bureau with enterprising and innovative journalism.
KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio is a nonprofit news organization producing journalism, podcasts and events as a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington in Seattle.
KNKX, with studios in Seattle and Tacoma, is an independent public media company dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, and regional news to the Northwest and beyond.
Collectively, KUOW and KNKX have one of the largest broadcast and digital audiences in the Seattle-Tacoma metro and reach all of western Washington, including the state capitol. The stations encompass two of the most highly regarded newsrooms in the Pacific Northwest, routinely awarded for outstanding journalism and programming.
JOB SUCCESS SUMMARY
KUOW and KNKX are looking for an experienced reporter with knowledge of government and public policy in Washington state. We are looking for someone who is curious and compassionate, while unafraid to ask hard questions. We are looking for someone who incorporates diverse perspectives with fairness and accuracy.
The successful candidate will have a strong record of breaking news and producing enterprise, with a keen focus on solutions, equity and accountability. They will be able to navigate government documents, meetings and processes to find stories about the motivations and real-life effects of policies and proposals.
The successful candidate will be comfortable managing daily reporting and deeper dives simultaneously. They will relish opportunities for creativity in storytelling and delivery. This position is ideal for a communicative and collaborative reporter who enjoys working with other journalists to delve into stories at the intersection of education, health, climate, housing, and other beats.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create Original Reporting (55%)
Identify and craft deeply reported radio and digital stories on the state government beat
Track developments in the Washington Legislature, governor's office, state agencies, and other state entities
Produce a weekly memo that informs the KUOW and KNKX newsrooms of significant events in state government and shapes coverage
Contribute to Reports and Newscasts (40%)
Contribute reports for daily KUOW and KNKX newscasts
Record two-ways with KUOW and KNKX hosts and appear on broadcast shows and podcasts to present and discuss reporting
Maintain timely, consistent delivery of broadcast and digital content that serves both KUOW and KNKX
Share stories and reporting with the Northwest News Network
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Support internal station initiatives.
Participate in KUOW and KNKX live events
Participate in professional trainings required by the station or the University of Washington.
Engage actively with social media and source networks
SUPERVISION
The position reports to a KUOW Editor, with joint editing from KNKX.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
RACIAL EQUITY
Actively contribute to a workplace culture of anti-racism, belonging, and inclusion that is supportive and welcoming to all.
SUCCESS PROFILE
Knowledge of:
Public records and data reporting
Washington state government and politics Public radio style programming
NPR and SPJ ethics codes
Ability to:
Generate enterprise stories with impact.
Meet deadlines and check facts.
Manage several projects concurrently.
Working independently and as part of a team.
Connect with racially diverse communities in our region.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree and three years of professional broadcast journalism experience including specific position requirements relating to news writing, radio production and audio editing; or equivalent combination of education/experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Duties may occasionally require evening and weekend work when necessary to meet critical deadlines.
Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
Position is suitable/eligible for Hybrid/Occasional Telework.
KUOW Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At KUOW, we believe that attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving the communities where we work and live. We understand that diversity in lived experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas, strengthens journalism and our organization. We are dedicated to building a diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in an anti-racist, multicultural environment that promotes racial equity and inclusivity. Women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), veterans and individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
KUOW staff are employees of the University of Washington. The University of Washington and KUOW are committed to full and positive compliance with all applicable federal, state, and University of Washington laws and policies regarding discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$77,196.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$81,000.00 annual
Other Compensation:
Overtime Eligible
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists - KUOW
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://hr.uw.edu/eoaa/) . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
