State Government Reporter at University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida

Job Description:

Dept Number/Name: 0-0662-000 / WUSF-FM

Salary Plan: Administrative

Job Code/Title: 4752 / News Reporter

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000

Position Number: 00017186

The accountability reporter will be part of a project designed to explain state government and engage Florida residents in the civic process. This self-starting reporter based in the capital city of Tallahassee will produce journalism around the problems individuals and families face on a daily basis, and on bigger issues like transportation, healthcare, education, the economy, and the accountability of state officials.

The ideal candidate can pitch solid, enterprising story ideas rooted in accountability, research, and substantiating documents. This journalism provides the audience with clarity, nuance and context that helps them more deeply understand issues affecting their lives.

The daily and in-depth stories will also answer questions from Floridians from rural, suburban and urban communities. The reporter's access and expertise about state government will result in multimedia content on platforms including broadcast, digital, and social media.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

WUSF is a leading source of news, information, and cultural enrichment for West Central Florida. We reach over one million people monthly through our NPR news station WUSF 89.7, Classical WSMR 89.1 & 103.9, and an extensive digital presence including live streaming, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. As a department of the University of South Florida, we have a dedicated team of 90 professionals and a budget of $11 million. We are deeply committed to our community, providing valuable internships to students and delivering content that informs, inspires, and connects. Our main studios are on the USF Tampa campus, with additional broadcast and production facilities on the USFSM and USFSP campuses.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The State Government Reporter will help explain state government and engage Florida residents in the process. This self-starting reporter based in Tallahassee will produce journalism around problems individuals face daily, and on bigger issues like health, education, the economy, and accountability of state officials.
The candidate can pitch solid, enterprising stories rooted in accountability, research, and documents. Their multimedia journalism provides clarity, nuance and context that helps Floridians more deeply understand issues affecting their lives.

Stories will also answer questions from rural, suburban and urban communities, using the reporter's access and expertise about state government.
This journalist is responsible for developing story ideas with an editor based in Tampa, conducting interviews, producing comprehensive news reports, and consistently collaborating with Florida news organizations.

Journalists in this role must have solid news judgment and a strong ethical foundation, and must maintain high editorial news standards. Radio, digital and public media experience are a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Produce regular, engaging short-form videos, audio and digital stories that help explain state government and its impact to residents. Develop and produce in-depth stories focused on government accountability.

Participate actively with State Government team to develop and produce short-and-long-form journalism for Floridians. Monitor state government, and mastery understanding of its functions.

Appear on Florida public media programs and podcasts to help amplify the voices of Floridians and state government issues important to them.

Assist in breaking news that impacts the state of Florida.

Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM:

This position requires Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications and two years of experience related to journalism and/or communications; or a Master's degree in the fields listed above. Four years of vocational/technical training and experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:

4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

PREFERRED:

Experience reporting on state government, knowledge of data and analytics will be an advantage. Video, radio, digital and public media experience are a plus.
This person must have an active driver's license and be able to drive to and from assignments, and be able to travel occasionally to locations across the state.
This is an essential personnel position. This position will be based in the state capital, Tallahassee.

USF Tampa

Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a Level 1 criminal background check.

Job Opening Number: 38208

Posting Date: 11/12/2024

Posting End Date: 11/26/2024

How To Apply

Click on the Apply Now button. When applying to an opening you will have the opportunity to upload a cover letter and resume.

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position.

Click here for additional tutorial information.

To request an accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact Central Human Resources by telephone: 813-974-2970 or email HR-ADA-Request@usf.edu .

Equal Employment Opportunity

USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.

The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.

USF's Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Statement .

Federal Rights

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) , Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) .

Work Location

Campus map and location overview: USF - Tampa Campus

About USF

The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

Working at USF

With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.

To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here .

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