Multimedia Journalist - Investigative

Cascade Public Media’s mission is to inform and inspire our community to make the world a better place.

Our vision is to be the most essential and relevant media organization in the region.

The Multimedia Journalist is an established journalism professional with on-air reporting experience, ideally in public-interest reporting, as well as a talent for visual storytelling and demonstrated skills in writing/reporting and video production. They will work directly with the Investigations Editor and Investigative Reporters to produce compelling short-form video coverage for Crosscut’s online audience, as well as the broadcast and streaming audiences of our sister station, KCTS 9. The Multimedia Journalist will work independently and collaboratively with the team to expand the reach of our in-depth investigative coverage of federal pandemic recovery spending, workplace safety and oversight, and other issues.

Cascade Public Media is committed to building a team that represents a diversity of thought, experience and personal background. Our organization serves a diverse community, in terms of ethnicity, class, culture, language, sexual orientation and disabilities and we are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion amongst our staff population. We encourage everyone interested in this role to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements.

Hourly Rate: $29.74 - $31.25

Location: Seattle - Must live in WA State, hybrid schedule available

Duration: This position is funded through December 2024.

CPM offers competitive benefits to team members working 20 hours or more a week.

Benefits include:

11 paid holidays
1 personal holiday
4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) to start
Half-day Fridays during Summer
Company-matched 401(k) Retirement Plan that is fully-vested immediately
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
$50 per month subsidy toward an ORCA card
Medical
Dental
Vision

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Work independently, as well as part of a team, to develop short-form video segments for Crosscut video products
Take part in collaborative team planning sessions to pitch stories and to identify stories that would benefit from a video treatment
Gather, or assist in gathering, and verify information for stories through interviews, observation and research; assemble and explain information accurately on all stories assigned.
Conduct reporting on location as well as in the studio
Use narrative and explanatory reporting techniques to show viewers how government or private institutions are impacting Washington communities
Build community and business contacts related to the primary investigative projects in order to develop fresh leads for future stories
Manage pre-production planning and logistics
Work with Investigative Editor and Director of Videography to determine the content and focus of projects
Engage in ongoing survey of the digital and broadcast video landscape to inspire innovation
Upon request, may be asked to serve as a photographer in the field
Collect and manage media assets for video/multimedia projects
Contribute scripts and descriptive copy in support of the production and promotion of video products
Contribute written reportage as directed
Record voice-over narration
Appear on-camera for Crosscut video projects, relay primary reporting or introducing the reporting of a colleague
Upon request, act as video editor or work with internal/external editors, depending on the project
Assist editors with development of additional web assets and publishing video story pages
Coordinate additional media acquisition and rights
Organize and deliver relevant materials to Marketing & Communications and Digital publishing departments
Collaborate with graphic design department to build animation and other assets
Assist in training and supervising interns
Secure releases
Assist in media management and maintaining media asset archives
Adhere to the deadlines agreed upon with the Investigations Editor
Collaborate with other team members to foster a positive and productive culture and contribute toward the overall growth of the CPM
Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

Experience with Canon C100, C300, Canon 5D dSLR, Adobe CC/Premiere Pro strongly preferred
Ability to both self-generate creative projects and work with restrictions to meet very specific project/initiative needs
Production experience using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter
Experience with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and investigative reporting techniques preferred

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or related field or equivalent experience strongly preferred
Three years of video producing/multimedia/journalism experience; ability to produce text, video and digital content strongly preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to view data on a computer screen for long periods of time
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
Ability to regularly type on a keyboard
Must have a valid driver’s license or reliable means of transportation to meet requirements of the job
Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds unassisted
Ability to work some evenings, weekends, holidays and in inclement weather