Investigative Reporter/Editor

Applicants must have demonstrated ability to further KUT’s mission to provide a diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive workplace, and cover a diverse community. They must also have a demonstrated ability to work well within a team.

The Texas Newsroom is seeking an experienced journalist to create and lead an investigative reporting unit to tell groundbreaking stories for audio and digital audiences in Austin, across Texas and throughout the country.

The Texas Newsroom is the landmark regional news collaboration of NPR and public radio stations across the state. It includes KERA in Dallas/Fort Worth, KUT in Austin, Houston Public Media and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio. This person will be employed by KUT in Austin.

Purpose

The investigative reporter/editor will serve as a player/coach, reporting their own stories as well as assembling and guiding teams of public radio journalists across the state, with a special focus on state government. The investigative reporter/editor will spend about a third of their time focused on investigations in Austin and about two thirds of their time focused on investigations elsewhere in Texas that are of interest to a statewide audience. About two thirds of their time will be spent reporting and one third coaching, editing and project managing.

This is a new position with the opportunity to make a significant impact. The ideal candidate is passionate about accountability reporting. They are deeply curious about how decisions made by leaders in Austin – or in county courthouses where maybe no one is watching – impact the lives of Texans, particularly those who have the least power and the least resources. They know how to break stories, find documents and data, and cultivate sources within diverse communities around the state.

The job is highly collaborative. The reporter/editor will regularly partner with local station reporters, NPR journalists and multimedia and audience engagement teams. Investigative reporting chops are a must. In addition, the reporter/editor will ideally have excellent writing skills, an ability to oversee editorial projects, experience with audio reporting and expertise in coaching, teaching or mentoring. That said, we welcome applications from experienced journalists who have some of these skills and are willing to learn the others.

Responsibilities

Report investigative news stories for on-air and online platforms, including Texas Standard and station websites.
Engage with audiences from diverse backgrounds to form a deep understanding of how leaders’ decisions affect Texans’ lives.
Actively collaborate with NPR and public radio stations throughout Texas. Participate in editorial meetings and editing sessions.
Manage editorial projects, communicate clearly and coordinate with teams including multimedia and social media.
Assemble and oversee teams of journalists from public radio stations around Texas. Work with the reporters to develop story ideas and cultivate projects.
Occasionally contribute quick-turn stories such as audio newscast spots or digital breaking news stories.
Occasionally edit broadcast or digital stories and fill in as an editor.
Participate in on-air fundraising and make special public appearances as assigned.
Adhere to accuracy, KUT style and SEO.
Develop new treatments for news products, including podcasts, multimedia storytelling and live, in-person content presentations.
Potentially manage direct reports in the future.

Required Qualifications

10 or more years of professional reporting or editing experience.
Experience using data and public records, as well as knowledge of open government laws.
Demonstrated ability to develop sources.
Ability to work independently with little supervision.
Ability to coach others.
Ability to multitask.
Strong verbal, writing and editing skills.
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work well under pressure.
Solid news judgement.
Experience working under strict deadlines.
Knowledge of AP style.
Familiar with content management systems.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a public radio newsroom.
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize news coverage for broadcast and digital in creative or innovative ways.
Production skills including ability to use Adobe Audition and mix audio stories for broadcast.
Spanish language skills.

Salary Range

$95,000 - $115,000 + depending on qualifications