Delaware Reporter

WHYY Inc•Wilmington, DE

About The Position

The Delaware Reporter is an enterprising journalist based in Sussex County who produces compelling general assignments from the First State and reports enterprising stories in service to the audience. The successful candidate must be capable of recognizing trends, providing analysis and developing a contact list of traditional and non-traditional, diverse sources. The journalist in this position reports authoritatively and without partisanship. We seek someone who is audience-focused, multimedia savvy, and intent on contributing to the organizational effort to cultivate new audiences. Reports will primarily appear, but are not limited to, the web and broadcast. The Delaware Reporter will be based in Sussex County Delaware. This reporter will focus on reporting in Sussex County but may be assigned stories to report throughout the state of Delaware. The reporter will produce at least two to three stories per week for both the website and audio/radio platforms. The Delaware Reporter produces journalism content that publishes across distribution channels, such as radio, website, social media, magazine programming and/or podcasting with demonstrated excellence to the craft of journalism. The Delaware Reporter develops a robust source file that propels the reporter’s explanatory news reporting and is capable of independently developing their stories, unpacking complex topics and working with data. The reporter is a self-starter and skilled journalist who excels at storytelling, pitching, writing and constructing narratives. The multiplatform reporter may report special features for use on broadcast, programs and digital platforms. The candidate meets assigned deadlines, and understands the value of content distribution across multiple platforms and their story pitches reflect that effort. They are adept at connecting with audiences via community building and/or creating content that piques audience interest and consumption. The reporter has the ability to develop storylines that serve a broad range of both existing and underserved audiences. This is a grant funded position and employment is guaranteed for the two-year grant period.

Requirements

Education: A college degree in journalism or equivalent is required.
Experience: Minimum five years of experience as a journalist.
Technical Skills: Experience with Microsoft Office software is required and ability to use website search and be trained on content management systems and tools, such as Airtable.
This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.

Nice To Haves

Radio experience preferred, but candidate will be trained if needed.
Knowledge of audio editing software and equipment (AudioVault, iNews, e-filing from the field, voicing spots from the editing booth, etc) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Produce authoritative general assignment reporting in the state of Delaware with a focus on Sussex County.
Pitch stories that are explanatory, investigative and/or enterprising.
Research, report and write stories that demonstrate journalistic excellence for broadcast and website platforms.
Pitch in-depth and impactful story ideas at news and planning meetings.
Develop and write news and feature stories that have impact. Conduct interviews with a range of sources.
Perform audio editing/mixing and voice work for production of an audio piece.
Coordinate and co-produce special projects.
Cultivate new contacts with sources and newsmakers that reflect the diversity across the coverage area.
Work collaboratively with other WHYY reporters and news department staff and share information and story ideas.
Must be a self-starter and capable of producing at least two to three stories for both web and radio platforms.
Participate in community events and panels as assigned and related to newsgathering and community issues.
Produce general assignment reporting as needed.
Prepare and write stories for publishing on the website.
Take still photos and videos for web use as applicable.
Advanced knowledge of the Associated Press Style.
Be available to work nights and/or weekends as news breaks on the beat and/or per the news cycle, if breaking or major news happens. Be able to fill in on general assignments per news department scheduling needs.
Meet short and long-term deadlines as assigned.
Use social media to cultivate contacts and promote work.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.