"Part-Time News Anchor/Host I"

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department: Editor 2

Time Type: Part time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union: 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).

Job Description:

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.

The News Anchor/Host serves as the voice of local news and on-air station breaks during WAMU’s weekend and occasional weekday anchoring shifts. They weave together live continuity inside local breaks including news, weather reports, underwriting announcements, promos and other local information as required during the hours they are on the air. They also broadcast local newscasts, Q & As, features, and headlines for on-air and digital platforms. The News Anchor/Host ensures that WAMU’s distinctive stationality and local news value comes through and is consistent in every break. The News Anchor/Host runs their own audio board for most on-air shifts; they are responsible for playing out live-fed and recorded program content as scheduled.

The News Anchor/Host collaborates with editors and producers on WAMU’s news team to prepare and review content for broadcast and digital publication, which may include voicing news stories and conducting two-way interviews. The News Anchor/Host may also lead or co-host fundraising breaks during WAMU’s on-air membership campaigns.

Essential Functions:

1. Anchoring
   • News Anchor adheres to the WAMU stationality guidelines and best practices for on-air hosting and uses the program log as a guide to assemble and deliver pertinent information to the listener, including promotion of content and/or live events, weather forecasts, and other sense-of-place information. Records and/or writes forward-promotions, station identifiers, and other on-air messages as instructed. Regularly participates in aircheck feedback sessions to ensure optimal on-air presence. Responsible for all technical operations during shift, including operation of broadcast audio board and media playout system, unless a board operator is assigned.
2. News and Local Content Production
   • Delivers regional newscasts in alignment with the editorial needs of the newsroom and formatics of the broadcast log. As needed, conducts live or pre-recorded interviews on issues relevant to the Washington, DC metro area. Collaborates with editors and producers in WAMU’s newsroom on preparation of local news stories and features for broadcast and web. Records and edits local newscasts for distribution on web and digital properties. Anchors during national or regional breaking news coverage as warranted.
3. Listener and Community Outreach
   • Represents WAMU at donor and community outreach events. Participates in WAMU’s on-air membership campaigns. Contributes to conversations about national and local clock formatics and their impact on delivering content in their assigned air shifts. Performs any related duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Program Director and Chief Content Officer.

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs.
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
• Developing Plans.
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
• Building and Supporting Teams.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.
• Up to 20 hours per week.
• Additional hours may be required.
• This position requires on-site presence on days when the individual is assigned to an on-air hosting shift.
• This position will be scheduled to cover hosting shifts on an as-needed basis.
• Work may be scheduled during early morning, midday or late evening hours, and weekends.

Salary Range: $40.00 - $46.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 3+ years on-air broadcast experience preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Professional sounding voice with authentic, engaging delivery to connect with public media listeners.
• Strong work ethic; ability to work under pressure.
• General knowledge of radio station operation and broadcast board equipment.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits: AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.