Education Reporter

ABOUT THE JOB

LehighValleyNews.com is seeking an Education Reporter to lead our coverage of schools and contribute to our digital and broadcast platforms.

It's an important and complex beat that requires a broad range of reporting, covering pre-K to the many colleges in the Lehigh Valley and an understanding of the financial forces and policies that have shaped and driven the Pennsylvania education system. The beat places an emphasis on public schools and the issues that bind them. Stories could range from investigative pieces or explainers that mine statewide data; coverage of school board meetings; to human interest features from the classroom.

THE STAR PROFILE FOR A SUCCESSFUL EDUCATION REPORTER

• Builds trust and commands the beat through their presence, knowing the key players and maintaining deep knowledge.
• Enterprises stories across multiple platforms and media, connecting and engaging a wide and diverse audience.
• Develops contacts and sources to become the expert go-to source of information and stay a step ahead of the competition.
• Consistently creates content with impact, delivered cleanly and on-time.

ABOUT US

We are a public media company that launched a local news website, LehighValleyNews.com, in October 2022. It added to our broadcast stations: 91.3 WLVR, an NPR radio station with local newscasts; and PBS39 television. Upping our digital game and growing our digital audience top the list of priorities. We're in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania - a news-rich community whose traditional media have been battered and shrunken by layoffs and corporate ownership. Our mission: Reinvigorate our community with journalism that informs and enlightens - and beat back the shadows of a looming news desert.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Research, conduct interviews, write and edit news stories and radioscripts for broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.
• Respond to breaking news or developing stories on your beat.
• Use social media accounts -- Instagram, Twitter. Facebook -- as an extension of your work.
• Work with editors to develop and implement a consistent, reliable multi-platform content plan.
• Work to develop the beat with editors, and pitch and produce stories with impact.
• Cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that supports the organization's values and strategic plan.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATES ARE:

• Versatile and steady under pressure.
• Able to bloom in a fast-paced environment and not get frustrated or overwhelmed by the pace of growth.
• Able to shift platforms and have experience in multimedia production, capturing high-quality audio, video and still images that complement their work.
• Spanish-speakers are a plus,as are folks with experience producing spot news and features for radio.
• Team players eager to jump into breaking news or projects will do well in this newsroom.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATES HAVE:

• A desire to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that supports the organization's values and strategic plan.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytic and organizational skills.
• High journalistic standards and news judgment.
• A welcoming can-do attitude toward working in a creative, demanding, competitive environment.

• A valid driver's license and a good driving record.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Journalism, English, or Communications and/or equivalent work experience. Three (3) plus years of experience reporting news.

WHAT WE'LL DO

• Pay within a range of $50,000 to $60,000 annually to start with annual merit increase eligibility.
• An excellent benefits package that includes 401(k) with match, low-deductible health insurance, free telemedicine, innovative paid time off policies, disability and life insurance, and more...
• Professional growth through individual direction, training and development activities.
• Connection with our industry through conferences and professional associations.
• A culture that is supportive, respectful, inclusive, professional, and evolving.
• A commitment to cultivating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that helps us represent the voices of our community.
• We'll welcome you to an inclusive newsroom that is dedicated to our community and making it better tomorrow than it is today.

Lehigh Valley Public Media is committed to recruiting for its staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors highly capable, individuals with diverse experiences, and perspectives who can help us accomplish our various missions. Differences in race, color, age, national origin/ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status, or any other distinguishing factors provide experiences, viewpoints and ideas that can strengthen and enrich our work environment. We seek to create and sustain an environment that is inclusive, respectful and equitable.

This position is based in Bethlehem, Pa., and residency in or near the Lehigh Valley is a requirement within the first 45 days of hire date.