Application instructions for this and all current OPB employment opportunities are available at OPB's careers page.

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at  opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on  Twitter,  Instagram,  YouTube and  Facebook. 

The Opportunity

We’re hiring a reporter with experience creating breaking news and enterprise stories to report on essential news in Bend, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country.

As a Reporter/Producer you’ll generate both short-form (3-4 stories per week) and long-form stories (1-2 per month) that capture the voices of the communities in central Oregon. You’ll dive into important topics centered around civics and public accountability. Some recent examples of this work include covering a growing city’s challenges addressing homelessness and surging housing costs, and holding government officials to account for alleged retaliation inside the Deschutes County Sheriff’s office.Stories such as these serve to inform the public about what is occurring in their community. In this role you’ll play an integral role in helping make sense of the news through fact-driven coverage of the topics that matter to the residents of Bend and other central Oregon communities.

Position Details

The Bend Reporter/Producer creates daily news stories and features for OPB that appear on multiple platforms, and consistently meets daily deadlines, as well as the station’s ethical, technical, legal and aesthetic standards. This involves daily research, gathering sound and photos, and writing for radio and online platforms. The Reporter/Producer also participates in OPB’s local news programming by appearing as a guest on OPB programs. The bulk of this reporter/producer’s newsgathering efforts will focus on news and issues in Bend and the surrounding cities, with an emphasis on government accountability and transparency. The Bend Bureau Chief, as well as editors in OPB’s main newsroom in Portland, will coordinate the Reporter/Producer’s work.

Responsibilities

• 85% - The reporter/producer reports, writes and produces breaking and enterprise news stories on multiple platforms, including audio and digital, focused on Bend and surrounding communities. This includes scheduling and conducting interviews and planning future news coverage related to the beat, recording and editing material using digital audio tools, using social media for information gathering and engagement, taking photos and using OPB content management tools.
• 10% - Participate in local news programming by appearing as a guest on shows like Morning Edition, All Things Considered and “Think Out Loud®”, podcasts such as “OPB Politics Now” being debriefed by an on-air host. Support efforts to include other local voices from Central Oregon in OPB’s on-air programming.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned, including:
• • Participating in fundraising functions
  • Producing online and broadcast reports for national public media outlets, as needed

Working Conditions

The Reporter/Producer will divide time between an office/studio and fieldwork as needed for newsgathering, which includes travel to remote locations, working evening or weekends, and possibly working in inclement weather. This position is based in Bend and primarily covers events and stories in Central Oregon, with occasional need to cover stories throughout Oregon. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 10lbs is sometimes required.  Some out-of-state travel may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
• Three years equivalent full-time professional experience as a journalist. 
• Experience developing and maintaining a beat.
• Ability to develop and maintain sources
• Ability to collaborate and innovate with others in the production/content teams to create the best possible stories.
• Ability to work independently in a remote location, as well as the ability to communicate well and work collaboratively with editors and reporters throughout the Northwest.
• Strong writing and interviewing skills.
• A demonstrated interest in following stories over time.
• Familiarity with photography, audio, video and social media in the presentation of news stories.
• Ability to file live reports and participate in breaking news.
• Ability to relate comfortably with a wide range of people.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Commitment to high ethical standards for journalism.
• Experience developing stories and pitches that can be adapted for audio and social platform formats. Adaptable, flexible, able to carry projects forward independently with appropriate direction and judgment.
• Commitment to equitable news coverage of all communities in Central Oregon
• Must thrive in a fast-paced working environment, take initiative and balance multiple priorities with speed and accuracy.
• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB.
• Enthusiasm for the changing news production environment and the tools and software used to facilitate our work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using audio recording and editing equipment.
• Experience as a bureau reporter.
• Spanish language skills
• Demonstrated ability to shoot digital still photos to accompany online stories.
• A work record that shows ability to track stories over time
• An eye for diverse voices and sources in stories.
• Photography or video production skills.
• Ability to shoot video and create other multimedia content for online distribution. 
• Experience using social media tools to communicate with audience members.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software.
• Knowledge of issues relevant to the Northwest.

Additional Information

• This position reports to Bend Bureau Chief and is benefits eligible.
• The probable hiring range for this nonexempt position is between $26.45 and $31.25 per hour, depending on qualifications.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and will requires consent to OPB conducting a driving record check. Employees will not be allowed to use a company or personal vehicle for work purposes without completion and satisfactory results of this check.
• Did you see that we are hiring a position similar to this role? Please visit OPB's careers page to check out the Rural Communities Reporter/Producer opportunity.

How to Apply

For application instructions, please visit OPB's careers page . You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.

Your application materials are due by 8:59 PM Pacific Time on February 14, 2022.

OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.