Job Description

Rural Climate Reporter

Roaring Fork Community Radio
Aspen , CO

Application Deadline: Monday, Sep 30, 2024

Description

Position Title: Rural Climate Reporter
Location: Flexible within the listening area of Rocky Mountain Community Radio

Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: RMCR Managing Editor
Salary: $60,000
Benefits: Employer-provided medical/dental/vision coverage; PTO

Application Deadline: Open until filled; first consideration given to applications received by September 30, 2024

Position Overview:

Rocky Mountain Community Radio, a coalition of more than 20 non-commercial radio stations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, is seeking an experienced and passionate journalist to join our team as a Rural Climate Reporter. This position is focused on covering rural communities throughout the region through a climate lens. You will be part of a collaborative news coalition dedicated to delivering high-quality, impactful journalism that resonates with our diverse and engaged audience.

As the Rural Climate Reporter, you will work directly with the coalition’s managing editor to bring to life the stories of people, communities, and ecosystems affected by climate change, exploring the challenges and solutions unique to rural areas in the Rocky Mountains. Your work will be broadcast across multiple community and public radio stations in the RMCR coalition, amplifying the voices and stories of those often underrepresented in the media.

This reporter will need to be physically located within the broadcast footprint of a RMCR station, with the ability to be housed at select member stations. This position is funded by a one-year grant from Rural Climate Partnership, with potential for continued funding.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are looking for a skilled broadcast journalist with a deep commitment to public service journalism and a passion for rural and environmental reporting. You should be a curious, and team-oriented individual with strong reporting, writing, and audio production skills. You will excel at both in-depth storytelling and breaking news, bringing a nuanced understanding of the intersection between climate issues and rural life.

You should be comfortable working independently while also closely working with the managing editor in crafting a news-coverage plan. You will be working in collaboration with a growing team of newsrooms across the region. A strong sense of community engagement and the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting & Storytelling:
Work closely with the managing editor in selecting and crafting coverage that will resonate across the region
Produce high-quality, accurate, and ethical reporting focused on climate change and its impact on rural communities in the Rocky Mountain West
Write and produce spot news, in-depth features, and interviews for both broadcast and digital platforms
Develop and maintain a network of sources throughout the region, with a focus on rural areas and climate-related topics
Work with RMCR stations on ways to use your coverage to augment their local coverage of this critical issue in their newsrooms

Digital & Social Media:
Work with the RMCR digital editor to produce engaging digital content for station websites and social media channels to expand the reach and impact of your reporting
Use digital tools to enhance storytelling and audience engagement
Collaboration & Editing:
Work closely with fellow reporters, editors and news directors across Rocky Mountain Community Radio member stations to produce and share content (significant travel budget is available)
Participate in trainings, workshops, our annual conference, and avail of professional development opportunities to continually improve skills

Required Qualifications:

Solid experience in radio reporting, audio editing and production.
Deep knowledge of journalism ethics and practices, particularly in the context of public broadcasting
Excellent writing and editing skills, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and storytelling
Strong understanding of climate issues and their impact on rural communities
Must be willing and able for regional travel, and provide personal transportation (mileage reimbursement available)
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines regularly
Well-practiced collaboration skills, with a history of working effectively in a collaborative environment

Benefits:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with other dedicated community and public radio professionals

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following materials to maeve@rockymountaincommunityradio.org with “Rural Climate Reporter” in the subject line:

Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience
Resume
Three examples of your reporting work, preferably in audio format
Contact information for three professional references
Equal Opportunity Employer: Rocky Mountain Community Radio is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, alongside all our member stations. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in journalism. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

For additional information about this position, please contact:

Maeve Conran

maeve@rockymountaincommunityradio.org
https://rockymountaincommunityradio.org/job-opening-rural-climate-reporter/

Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Flexible hours,

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