"RADIO REPORTER / PRODUCER I/II"

Job Description

Position Number: S-3766

Position Summary:

WCMU’s Radio Reporter/Producer plays a key role in producing daily content for WCMU’s radio and digital platforms. WCMU covers 48 of Michigan’s 83 counties, reporting on a wide range of issues, including local and state government, education, climate and the environment, the economy, and more. Primary functions of this position include serving as WCMU’s Rural Life & Agriculture reporter, connecting with the rural communities we serve through targeted listening sessions and events, and being a liaison with Harvest Public Media to strengthen our partnership while extending the reach of WCMU’s reporting across the state, the Midwest, Central Plains and nation. Additional functions may include serving as a backup on-air host, and/or editing and story assignment responsibilities in the absence of the News Director.

Required Qualifications:

Radio Reporter/Producer I (BH-1)
Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting, Journalism, Multimedia, Humanities, Agriculture or a related field, or a combination of education and work experience that equates to four years.
Experience in reporting situations, including impromptu interview questioning and scripted situations.
Experience in field news gathering or remote recording situations.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to project a positive image.
General knowledge of digital editing and studio situations.
Must possess basic announcing skills.
Ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with faculty, students, visitors, and fellow work associates. Ability to complete tasks independently. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Radio Reporter/Producer II (BS-2)
All qualifications listed for a Radio Reporter/Producer I (BH-1), plus:
Two additional years of increasingly responsible experience with key elements of the job, including reporting situations, field news gathering, digital editing, hosting and announcing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Radio Producer/Reporter I (BH-1)
Two years of experience in on-air situations and with field recording/news gathering.
Experience hosting live radio.
Experience as talent for fundraisers, interviews, and programs.
Experience as a local host of NPR news magazines.
Experience filing stories with NPR.
Proficient capabilities in basic digital editing and multitrack editing.
Demonstrated ability to formulate interview segments and questions.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Radio Reporter/Producer I (BH-1)
Performs the following tasks under direct supervision:
Schedules, records, and edits interviews for radio station use.
Researches program topics and/or guests for possible programs or segments.
Regularly files stories for WCMU and Harvest Public Media.
Meets with community groups and hosts listening sessions to identify issues of impact for reporting projects.
Participates in occasional community events to promote WCMU’s Rural Life and Agriculture reporting efforts.
Acts as talent for fundraisers, interviews, and programs.
Operates radio remote and radio studio equipment as required.
Assists in the development of radio programs and materials and contributes to ongoing projects as needed.
Assists with the logistics of interviews or guest appearances.
Develops buildouts of radio news stories for WCMU’s digital platforms.
Serves as the primary back-up host for Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and other news programs.
Develops contacts with Central Michigan University departments, local and state government officials, and various constituents.
Represents WCMU at various station events as requested.
Pitches stories to NPR and other organizations for national distribution.
Participates in professional development opportunities.
Assigns and edits stories for student news reporters and fellow staff members as directed by the News Director.
Edits reports submitted by freelance reporters as directed by the News Director.
Participates in recruiting, interviewing, and training student news reporters and freelance news reporters.
Contributes occasionally to WCMU’s video productions.
Travels for reporting trips and station events as required, including occasional overnight trips.

Radio Reporter/Producer II (BS-2)
Performs all duties and responsibilities of the Radio Reporter/Producer I under limited supervision and with increased confidence and responsibility, plus:
Assists in filing stories with NPR and other organizations for national distribution.
Performs confidently with live, on the scene, and breaking news coverage.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Employee Group: Public Broadcasting - Hourly
Staff Pay Level:
Pay Range: BH-1 = $17.00 - $22.00 per hour / BS-2 = $37,440 - $45,760
Division: Government and External Relations
Department: Public Broadcasting
Position Status: Provisional
Position End Date: 12/31/2027
Employment Status: Full-Time
FTE: 1.0
Position Type: 12 month
Weekly Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Posting Ends:
Open Until Filled: Yes

Message to Applicants:

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee. Please submit writing/audio/video reporting samples.

To upload a writing sample, please utilize the Writing Sample upload field.

To upload a work sample, please utilize the Work Sample upload field.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit letters of recommendation. If you wish to include recommendation letter(s) that are not required, please utilize the Recommendation Letters upload field.

To apply, visit https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/44015