Coastal Reporter-Producer

Job Description

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures, business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on  Bluesky,  Instagram,  YouTube  and  Facebook.

The Opportunity

OPB is continuing its commitment to rural journalism in Oregon and seeks an experienced full-time reporter to cover the fascinating and story-rich Oregon Coast. This region is one of Oregon’s most historically, ecologically, and economically interesting in the state, and the selected candidate must come with an appetite to dive deep into the untold stories of the area and the people who call it home. The influential zone between Astoria and Newport is often overlooked by larger media outlets, and OPB hopes to serve the communities there with dedicated, full-time coverage.

The selected candidate for this role must live in the coverage area (in Clatsop, Lincoln, or Tillamook county) or be willing to relocate there.

Position Details

The Coastal Reporter-Producer covers breaking and daily news as well as longer-term feature stories about a wide spectrum of subjects for and from Coastal Oregon and its adjacent regions. The role involves reporting and researching, gathering sound, video, photos, writing for radio and digital platforms and collaborating with OPB’s social media team. The Reporter-Producer must meet daily deadlines, juggle multiple news priorities, collaborate with other reporters and staff across the organization, and sometimes appear on OPB’s social media platforms and as a guest on OPB’s radio programs. The work produced by this Reporter-Producer must meet OPB’s ethical, legal, and aesthetic standards. The Regional Managing Editor as well as the Regional Team Lead will coordinate and guide this Reporter-Producer’s work.

Responsibilities 

80% - The reporter/producer reports, writes and produces breaking and enterprise news stories on multiple platforms, including audio, visual and digital, focused on coastal Oregon. Those other duties include scheduling and conducting interviews and planning future news coverage related to the beat, recording and editing material using digital audio tools, using social media for information gathering and engagement and taking photos.

10% - Participate in local news programming by appearing as a guest on shows like Morning Edition, “Think Out Loud®” and All Things Considered and podcasts such as “OPB Politics Now” or being debriefed by an on-air host. Support efforts to include other local voices in OPB’s on-air programming.

5% - Other duties as assigned, including participating in fundraising and outreach functions.

5% - Produces reports for national news programs and newscasts, as assigned and with approval of supervising editor.

Working Conditions

• Work environment:  Remote. Field work required across numerous coastal communities and occasionally to other locations in Washington and Oregon, such as Portland. Non-traditional lodging is sometimes involved. Field work possible during inclement weather.
• Schedule: This position typically works Monday through Friday though some weekend and evening work is required to cover news events.
• Physical demands: Lifting and carrying equipment up to 10 pounds is sometimes required.
• Travel: Regional and state travel required. National travel for professional development opportunities possible.
• Driving: Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license is required.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
• 3 years equivalent full-time professional experience as a journalist.

Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience developing and maintaining a beat.
• Ability to develop and maintain sources.
• Strong writing, interviewing and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with photography, audio, video and social media in the presentation of news stories.
• Ability to work independently in a remote location, as well as work collaboratively with editors and reporters throughout the Northwest.
• Commitment to high ethical standards in reporting.
• Ability to file live reports and participate in breaking news.
• Ability to be the face of OPB to coastal communities.
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB.
• Enthusiasm for the changing news production environment and the tools and software used to facilitate our work.

Preferred Position Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience as a bureau reporter.
• Experience using digital audio recording and editing equipment.
• An eye for diverse voices and sources in stories.
• Photography or video production skills.
• A demonstrated interest in following stories over time.
• Community engagement experience.     
• Bilingual in English and another language, such as Spanish or Russian, which includes the ability to fluently speak, read, and write in both languages.

Additional Information

• This full time, regular status position reports to the Regional Managing Editor, and is benefits eligible.
• This role is represented by SAG-AFTRA and pay rates are bargained with the union. The rate for this non-exempt role is $36.09/hr. Premiums are available for second language skills and experience.

How to Apply

• Visit https://www.OPB.org/careers and click on the Coastal Reporter-Producer job posting.
• Click “Apply” at the bottom of the screen.
• You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume, and answer a few position-related questions. Links to clips and bylines are encouraged.
• If you have any trouble with your application, please reach out to hr@opb.org.
• The deadline for your application is 8:59pm Pacific Time on Thursday, October 29th 2026 

OPB is an equal opportunity employer

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