ARLINGTON ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTER

Job Description

ARLINGTON ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTER

KERA is hiring a creative, enterprising Government Accountability Reporter dedicated to high-impact journalism in the Arlington area of North Texas. The reporter will focus on holding people and organizations in positions of power accountable through consistent coverage of the Arlington City Council and other city entities. The reporter will also focus on the lived impact of city policies and services with an eye to the growth and changing demographics in the region and the public institutions that play a defining role in Arlington life.


WHO WE ARE:
Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle as well through national shows Think and From the Top. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning.

As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA.


POSITION SUMMARY:
The Arlington Accountability Reporter is a full-time position that is part of KERA’s Newsroom and reports to the Collaborations Editor.

The Reporter will focus on holding local and regional officials accountable for the decisions they make and the money they control. Coverage focus will center on Arlington City Hall, Tarrant County, state and national government as it relates to Arlington; population growth and changing demographics and the City’s decision making related to growth and change; City organizations and institutions, including public transportation authorities, libraries, public parks and the police force.

The ideal candidate is a fearless journalist with knowledge of and experience covering municipal government and policy. We are looking for a creative storyteller who is audience-centered and able to tell stories using data. The reporter must be versatile, resourceful and resilient – and bring context to daily enterprise stories as well as deeper dives.

This is an FLSA classified non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime. The position directly reports to the Collaborations Editor.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 

• Develop distinctive audio and digital stories focused on the KERA listening area, with statewide and national context and impact.
•  Focus on accountability journalism with high impact and deep substance
  • Use data and public records to find, inform and tell stories
  • Develop and maintain broad ranges of sources representing the diverse North Texas community as related to Arlington news
  • Use social media to gather news, shape and promote coverage and build relationships and audience
  • Deliver stories that are accurate, fair, meticulously reported and produced, and provide context
  • Work with the digital team to create stories that engage audiences
• Collaborate with KERA’s team and partners to build expertise, including through training opportunities, contribute compelling ideas and experiment with storytelling techniques.
• Fill in on newscasts as needed and cover breaking news in North Texas and beyond, sometimes outside the scope of the beat. This includes a rotating on-call schedule and work outside the standard 9-5 business hours. 
• Engage with the public in on-air, digital and in-person activities, including actively participating in KERA fundraising campaigns.

As a KERA employee:    

• Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
• Participate in fundraising activities as needed and assigned
• Perform additional duties as assigned  
  
   

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates


 

Job Requirements

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:
We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

• Passion for accountability journalism.
• Undergraduate degree in journalism or related field.
• Demonstrated research, writing, and reporting skills.
• The highest journalistic and ethical standards, with dedication to accuracy, fairness and attention to detail.
• Ability to generate dynamic creative story ideas and cultivate sources.
• Eagerness to explore and develop innovative digital, social and video skills.
• Agility to shift journalistic modes quickly and nimbly: from deadline reporting to developing explainers to deep investigative work.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity in reporting and sourcing. 
• Knowledge of Associated Press style, ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR editorial standards.
• Reliable transportation required for assignments/activities that involve work outside of the office.

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

• Strong audio reporting and production skills, and comfort behind a microphone.
• Public radio experience.
• Three or more years of professional journalism experience.
• Deep knowledge of the people, cultures, issues, and geography of North Texas. 
• Proficiency or fluency in a second language such as Spanish.
• Experience with one or more of the following: multimedia production, particularly photography or video; working with one or more content management systems; other relevant technical expertise.

SALARY RANGE
$60,000 - $68,000 annually, depending on experience 


BENEFITS

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401k plan with KERA-contribution after 6 months
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household
• Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth
  
   

LOCATION:
We expect that this position will work out of our Dallas or Fort Worth Report office at least 40% of the time. (Equivalent to 16 hours per week)

Time in office requirements are subject to change based on the needs of KERA and/or the position.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Complete the application on KERA’s employment page.
• Add an optional cover letter indicating why you’re excited about joining the KERA team.

 
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
We generally close roles 2-4 weeks after posting. The hiring process may continue for several weeks after the closing of the role depending on the number of applicants. 


KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

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