Early Childhood Education & Development Reporter

TITLE: Early Childhood Education & Development Reporter
DEPARTMENT: News
REPORTS TO: VP of News
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: $58,000 - $65,000 DOE
WORK LOCATION: On-Site

SUMMARY:
This position is supported by a grant and is currently funded through March 31, 2028.
Continuance of the position is dependent on securing funding for subsequent years.
Texas Public Radio (TPR) is seeking an enterprising, empathetic, and data-driven reporter to lead
our coverage of early childhood education and development (aka “the first five years”). Based in San
Antonio, this reporter will cover the critical issues facing families, educators, and policymakers locally
and statewide.
You will go beyond the daycare crisis headlines to explore the systemic forces—economic, political,
and cultural—that shape the lives of Texas’ youngest residents, as well as their parents’ and
caregivers’. Whether you are reporting on the 2026 Child Care Workforce Strategic Plan or visiting a
home-based provider in the South Texas, your goal is to make the invisible visible.
We’re looking for a reporter excited to connect educators and caregivers of children ages 0–5 with
resources and people working to effect positive change in early childhood. We want to reveal what’s
working and what’s not.
This reporter will produce original stories across radio, digital, and social platforms that inform,
engage, and elevate public understanding of how early childhood experiences impact long-term
success and community well-being.
This position is within the bargaining unit represented by the SAG-AFTRA Union.
Union membership is not required as a condition of employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Beat Development: Take initiative to build a deep network of sources including parents,
early educators, pediatricians, and state officials.
● Statewide Impact: Serve as a key contributor to the Texas Newsroom, ensuring that stories
with statewide implications (like legislative funding for Pre-K or the Governor’s Task Force)
reach audiences from El Paso to Houston.
● Culturally Competent Reporting: Prioritize stories that reflect the diverse experiences of
families and caregivers.
● Multiplatform Storytelling: Produce high-quality radio features as well as digital-first content
and engaging social media explainers, and engage audiences through participation in TPR
and community events.
● Accountability Journalism: Track how local and state funds are actually being spent and
whether they are reaching the families with the greatest need, while also identifying and
reporting evidence-based solutions and whether they are working.
● Breaking news availability: Able to work extended hours during breaking news or urgent
coverage, sometimes on short notice. Travel may be required.
● Participation in Fundraising: Participate appropriately in TPR fundraising, sponsorship
activities and live events. Collaborate cross-departmentally to fulfill TPR’s mission to serve
the community.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE:
At least four+ years of journalism experience, preferably with a background in education, social
services, or policy reporting. Experience in gathering story information, interviewing newsmakers, and
writing clear, concise original news content is a must. Strong preference for candidates with public
media broadcasting experience.

SKILLS:
● Audio Skills: Proficiency in field recording and non-linear editing.
● Language: Spanish proficiency is highly preferred.
● Mission-Driven: A commitment to TPR’s mission to engage, inspire, and inform.
● Knowledge of the education system is a plus.
● Exceptional organizational and time management skills, including the ability to work
effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
● Excellent Communication Skills: both oral and written.
● Journalistic Precision: Ability to write and edit clear, accurate, compelling news stories
consistent with AP Style guidelines and ethical journalism standards.
● Technological versatility: experience in content management systems tools, using software
to edit photos and images, and design visual presentations.
● Professionalism and personal relationship skills: Ability to work well with other team
members.
● Self-motivated, to work efficiently with limited direct supervision

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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Using fingers to make small movements, such as typing or picking up small objects or hand tools.
 Verbally conveying detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly, and quickly.
 Able to hear average or normal conversations in person or by phone.
 Frequently and regularly use the wrists, hands, and fingers.
 Average, ordinary visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or other materials.
 Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. May have to lift folders, files, papers, audio/video equipment,
and other items weighing up to approximately 25 lbs.
 Ability to travel to story destinations in a timely manner.

NOTE: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to
serve as an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities required. Additionally, this job description is not intended
as an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and Texas Public Radio continues to maintain its status as an at-will
employer (unless modified by an in force collective bargaining agreement containing a “just cause” for discipline or
discharge standard).

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter, resume, references, and salary requirements to hr@tpr.org. No
calls, please. Please indicate where you saw the posting when applying.

BENEFITS:
• Generous PTO and 11 holidays
• Employer paid Medical and Dental insurance, LTD, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• LTD, Life and AD&D Insurance
• 2% Simple IRA contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Downtown parking

Texas Public Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.