Audio Reporter, South Dakota Searchlight

Job Description

Join a pioneering expansion into audio journalism.

South Dakota Searchlight is seeking its first audio reporter to bring our award-winning journalism to the airwaves.

Searchlight has built a reputation as the state’s leading source for news and commentary about state government and the biggest challenges facing The Mount Rushmore State. As part of States Newsroom – an independent, nationwide nonprofit – we’re uniquely positioned to provide journalism in the public interest that’s free to read and republish, with no paywalls or ads.

South Dakotans already encounter our written journalism on our website, in our email newsletter, and on the pages of newspapers and media websites that republish our work. We’re excited to take the next step by offering a one-year, grant-funded audio reporter pilot position, with an opportunity for renewal at the end of the year.

Preferably based in the capital city of Pierre, the audio reporter will produce daily audio and digital stories for our online and republication audiences and broadcast partners, as well as periodic deep-dive, sound-rich, long-form pieces. The successful candidate will also help turn our other reporters’ work into audio, while working for an editor with experience in both newspapers and public radio. 

​JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality audio and digital reporting on issues facing South Dakota, while meeting broadcast story duration limits and deadlines
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and share research and pertinent knowledge when available
• Establish and expand audio and digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content
• Take photos and video as necessary to illustrate and amplify stories 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000 and rises with experience. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• 4 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of personal leave per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
• $75 monthly fitness benefit
• 401K with up to 3% match
• 12 weeks of parental leave
• Full-service EAP

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but not at the expense of burning out its employees. We are supportive, exciting, welcoming and positive. We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat.

States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission.

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years of professional journalism experience (student journalism counts), including news writing, writing on deadline, audio production, and audio editing. The ideal candidate will possess sound news judgment, flexibility, creativity and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four stories per week.

All necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom. Authorization to work in the United States is required. At this time, States Newsroom is unable to provide visa sponsorship. 
 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, send a cover letter, resume with three references, and at least three links or clips to jobs@statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

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