WAMU 88.5, a cornerstone of public media in Washington, DC, is on the hunt for a seasoned Senior Reporter to dive deep into the world of DC politics. This isn’t just another job; it’s a chance to be at the heart of regional news, shaping stories that matter to the communities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
As part of American University WAMU 88.5 has been a trusted voice since 1961, amplifying stories from diverse neighborhoods and communities. The Senior Reporter will play a pivotal role in this mission, leading coverage initiatives and serving as a mentor to less experienced reporters.
Core Responsibilities
The Senior Reporter will wear many hats, from reporting and writing political stories for both on-air and online platforms to serving as a backup editor for the station’s weekly program, the Politics Hour. This role requires a deep understanding of the political landscape in DC and the surrounding region, as well as the ability to analyze and contextualize complex political narratives.
Key responsibilities include evaluating leads, monitoring major news developments, and contributing story ideas. The Senior Reporter will also produce web stories, engage with audiences across platforms, and participate in events as a representative of the station. The role demands strong editorial judgment, the ability to write quickly and clearly, and a distinctive and appealing style.
Qualifications and Skills
To excel in this role, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field and at least eight years of relevant experience in reporting for radio, TV, or online platforms. A well-established reputation for covering politics in DC and the region is a must. The ideal candidate will be an effective and imaginative storyteller, capable of shaping content to suit different audiences.
The role requires journalistic agility the ability to shift comfortably between writing radio scripts, online news articles, explainers, and both short and longer pieces. Sharp interview skills, strong journalistic ethics, and experience building audience connections using social media are also essential. Candidates must be willing to try new storytelling methods and adapt to changing platforms and audience needs.
Additional qualifications include hands-on audio and digital editing skills, a deep knowledge of the DC region, particularly local politics, and a commitment to building and fostering an inclusive, encouraging, and diverse workplace. Creativity, flexibility, and resourcefulness are highly valued.
Work Environment and Benefits
The Senior Reporter position is a full-time role, with an expected 35 hours of work per week. The work modality is hybrid, requiring on-campus presence for 3-4 days per week. The salary range for this position is $55.21 to $57.00 per hour. American University offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. The university is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Current American University employees must apply through their employee Workday account. For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
