Local Government & Communities Reporter

Job Description

Local Government & Communities Reporter

REPORTS TO:            Vice President of News
CLASSIFICATION:     Exempt 
SALARY RANGE:      $58,000 - $68,000 DOE

WORK LOCATION:   On-Site

SUMMARY:

The Local Government & Communities Reporter, based in San Antonio, reports on local government, public policy and civic life with a focus on how decisions made by public officials shape people’s daily lives and communities.

This reporter tracks daily developments at City Hall, county government and across local government agencies while also producing public service journalism, breaking news coverage, important alerts, explanatory reporting and accountability journalism on issues including housing, growth, infrastructure, public safety, transportation, climate resilience and neighborhood change.

Texas Public Radio (TPR) is a mission-driven, award-winning, multi-platform news organization serving audiences across South Texas and beyond.

This position is within the bargaining unit represented by the SAG-AFTRA Union. Union membership is not required as a condition of employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Produces original enterprise reporting on San Antonio City Council, local government agencies and significant civic and public policy developments impacting South Texas communities. 
• Produces daily coverage and breaking news related to local government and public policy.
• Develops original explanatory, investigative and accountability journalism that analyzes the impact of local government and public policy decisions on communities and civic life. 
• Produces in-depth reporting on housing, transportation, infrastructure, public safety, growth and development, climate resilience, and neighborhood change affecting South Texas communities. 
• Conceives, develops and executes original enterprise and investigative story ideas, exercising independent editorial judgment in researching, structuring and producing multi-platform journalism for broadcast, digital and social audiences. 
• Develops relationships with community members, public officials, advocates, and subject-matter experts.
• Conducts independent research and analysis using public records, data sets and documentary sources to develop original, accountability-driven journalism.
• Collaborates with journalists across Texas Public Radio and The Texas Newsroom on coverage of statewide issues, accountability reporting and stories connecting local communities to broader regional and state trends.
• Participates in daily editorial meetings and collaborates on special coverage and newsroom initiatives.
• Represents the organization at community events, public forums and civic gatherings, contributing to audience engagement, source development and the advancement of enterprise reporting priorities. 
• Uses social media applications to disseminate news and engage audiences.
• Fulfills administrative obligations related to assignments, including timely communication with editors, accurate story summaries and expense reports.
• Participates appropriately in station fundraising, sponsorship activities and live events.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent experience. Spanish language fluency is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of four years of reporting experience and demonstrated initiative in developing sources to produce original reporting. Experience producing stories across multiple platforms and effectively using social media. Preference for candidates with experience covering local government, politics or public policy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated sound news judgment.
• A passion for the mission of public radio.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, accurate and compelling stories for broadcast and online.
• Ability to explain complex topics in accessible and engaging ways.
• Experience with public records requests.
• Experience using audio editing software and equipment to produce broadcast content.
• Technologically versatile and proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Drive and organizational/communication software, with willingness to expand skills.
• Multimedia reporting and digital storytelling skills are desirable.
• Demonstrated professionalism and strong collaborative skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work efficiently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to balance daily coverage with medium- and long-term story development.
• Able to work extended hours as needed and travel, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to travel to story destinations in a timely manner.   

We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences and passions. If you don't meet every qualification but believe you could be a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us more about yourself.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Using fingers to make small movements such as typing or picking up small objects.
• Frequently conveying detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly and quickly.
• Able to hear average or normal conversations in person or by phone.
• Frequently and regularly using the wrists, hands and fingers.
• Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or other materials.
• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. May occasionally lift folders, files, papers, audio/video equipment and other items weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.

NOTE:  This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed.  It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities required. Additionally, this job description is not intended as an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and Texas Public Radio continues to maintain its status as an at-will employer (unless modified by an in force collective bargaining agreement containing a “just cause” for discipline or discharge standard).  

Texas Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Texas Public Radio will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Texas Public Radio Human Resources Designee. 

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Professional References
• Salary Requirements

Email application materials to hr@tpr.org.

Please indicate where you learned about this position. No phone calls, please.

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