Job Details

Politics and Government Reporter

Position Number: 6389362
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Communications - Journalism

Politics and Government Reporter

Job Summary

KUER is looking for a savvy politics reporter to serve civically-minded broadcast and digital audiences. With an emphasis on politics and government and other topics as assigned, this person is responsible for producing multi-platform daily and long-form stories that help people navigate life in Utah.

About us:

KUER serves Utahns with trustworthy news and information, expertly crafted stories and conversations and diverse voices from around our state. To provide this essential public service, we're dedicated to building an organizational culture that prioritizes collaboration. We seek a team that reflects our entire community, and we encourage the contributions from people of various experiences. We are committed to attracting and retaining a staff whose perspectives are heard and valued. This is essential to our success.

Benefits

Health, dental, and wellness coverage
Automatic and immediately vested 14.2% employer contribution to personal retirement account (401a)
Free public transportation pass (Utah Transit Authority)
Paid leave time
Tuition reduction for employee and family members
and more: https://www.hr.utah.edu/benefits/

Responsibilities

Researches and pitches original coverage topics; produces news as assigned by the newsroom editorial team; identifies and builds trust with sources, with an emphasis on seeking out various perspectives; records and logs audio interviews for broadcast production; writes, edits and voices reports for broadcast and digital platforms
Maintains beat specialty in politics and government; follows major developments in specialty; follows pertinent publications and attends related events; proactively participates in the creative cycle of story and program origination with reporters, producers and editorial leadership team
Adheres to deadlines and, in concert with appropriate staff, makes timely and effective decisions for breaking news; works closely with other staff and under the supervision of the editorial team in identifying, developing and creating content that supports KUER's overall mission
Actively participates in KUER fund drives and represents KUER at community and station events
Executes administrative duties related to their own reporting and community engagement to support federal and grant reporting requirements, source tracking and other station goals

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Broadcasting, or a related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); one year of previous professional experience in the news field; demonstrated oral and written communications skills; and an understanding of Public Radio and radio broadcasting required. Production skills are needed to edit and rerecord final story formats.

Department Specific Qualifications

Three to five years of previous professional journalism experience
Previous professional broadcast journalism experience
Sound news judgment and knowledge of journalistic best practices
A portfolio demonstrating strong interviewing, broadcast and digital writing, fact-checking and audio production skills
An understanding of public media, radio broadcasting and AP Style
Ability to explain complex political ideas and processes in a conversational, accessible and entertaining way
Ability to identify and produce stories that demonstrate the impact of political decisions on the public
Willingness to step aside from the beat to produce stories of curiosity and joy that reflect the richness of Utah's communities
Passion for responding to audiences by producing stories that serve their needs
At ease with being on camera (video, social media and TV broadcast)
Demonstrated ability with digital photography and social media
Excellent communicator, team player and problem solver with demonstrated human relations skills
Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality journalism
A passion for creative storytelling that centers the audience and includes various perspectives from across Utah
Willingness to learn, grow and innovate

Preferences

Familiarity with Utah politics and culture
The ability to write and speak fluently in a second language

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42501B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday thru Friday. Some weekend and evening work may be required for scheduled events and if breaking news events occur. Due to the nature of this position, the reporter will be required to live in Utah. Remote candidates cannot be considered. Some travel throughout the region will be required.
Department: 00335 - KUER
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 51,000 - 57,000
Close Date: 10/15/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/185708