General Assignment Reporter

Job Description

About us:

At KNKX we work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our listeners, and help build trust in public media.

KNKX is a Puget Sound area public media company, dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, regional news, and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent station, KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best service to an audience of nearly a million on-air and online, to engage with the community by presenting music and stories that bring joy, meaning and understanding into people’s lives.

KNKX offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including Medical, dental, voluntary vision/life insurance, 401K, flexible spending account, employee assistance programs, and generous vacation and paid holidays. Note: benefit eligibility is based on tenure, full- or part-time status.

KNKX is committed to looking and sounding more like the dynamic and diverse region that we call home.  Learn more in our diversity statement.

Who we are looking for:

KNKX Public Radio is looking to expand its award-winning news department! As a General Assignment Reporter, you will play a vital role in our newsroom, contributing to daily news coverage for both broadcast and digital audiences. KNKX’s broadcast signal reaches from Vancouver, B.C. to Vancouver, Washington. KNKX is committed to covering local and regional news.

Some of what you will be doing:

This position is for a journalist who is eager to tackle a wide variety of stories, ranging from hard news and profiles of newsmakers to enterprise stories. This role requires someone who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions and who can build trust with sources. We are looking for a curious individual who wants to be out in the field, engaging with people, doing original reporting and gathering voices and stories that are unique to this remarkable part of the world.

This role involves producing a minimum of two stories, that are two versions each, per week, and at least six sound-rich features a year. The KNKX newsroom encourages creativity, whether it’s a feature with scoring, a non-narrated piece or a 60-second wrap.

This role will also require you to do original reporting for special series involving the KNKX newsroom and keep your idea hat on for series the team can tackle together. You will be required to participate in live station events such as fund drives and perform other duties as assigned.

This role may require occasional evening and weekend work, responding to breaking news, and appearing live during KNKX local cutaways during Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

The ideal candidate will be able to pivot when needed, collaborate with others, and remain calm and professional under pressure. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to producing fair and balanced journalism with integrity and editorial judgment. You will be expected to reflect the community’s diverse voices and experiences in your reporting.

This position reports to the News Director. 

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.

We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public in the Puget Sound region.

For inquiries about this position, contact HR Director at hr@knkx.org

KNKX’s Vision is to grow our audience and become a more inclusive

organization that brings joy, meaning and understanding into people’s lives

KNKX is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veterans or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at hr@knkx.org. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor it.

The hiring manager has the right to close this recruitment at any time therefore it would be in your best interest to apply early. Applicants will be reviewed weekly.

Job Requirements

Responsibilities and Deliverables:

• Contribute a minimum of two stories per week to KNKX 88.5 and KNKX.org
• Work in the Seattle office at least 3 days a week
• Meet a filing schedule that may require occasional evening and weekend work
• Respond to breaking news
• Appear on KNKX broadcast shows and podcasts
• Build sources and find new voices
• Participate in fundraising efforts
• Appear at live events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least three years of professional journalism experience including news writing, radio production, and audio editing
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum qualifications

Compensation:

• $71,000 - $77,000 depending on experience
• Membership in SAG-AFTRA is required.

Additional Conditions of employment:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. 

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