SPECIALTY BEATS EDITOR

KERA is hiring an experienced, dynamic editor to lead a team of reporters focused on specialty beats. The Specialty Beats Reporting team will dive deep into multiple topics of critical importance to North Texas communities including education, health, and race and social justice issues.

WHO WE ARE:

The station serves the country’s fifth-largest media market, reaching more than 2 million people weekly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and Art&Seek. For more than 60 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning.

As we seek to recognize and reflect the increasing diversity among our audiences, we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives to consider employment opportunities at KERA.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Editor is a full-time position that is part of KERA’s newsroom expansion.

Under the Specialty Beats Editor, the team will be responsible for daily news to in-depth projects and will publish on KERA’s digital and broadcast platforms as well as distributed through collaborations including The Texas Newsroom, NPR, and Fort Worth Report.

The ideal candidate to lead this team is a multifaceted editor and journalist with knowledge of and experience covering multiple topics. The Editor must be a dynamic storyteller rooted in ethics and standards with deep experience interpreting and synthesizing information, trends and data and shaping accessible narratives for the public. They must be versatile, efficient, and resilient – balancing leadership and high-impact journalism, from quick turns and projects to long-term vision.

We’d prefer someone with audio editing skills, but if your experience is from print, digital or a different platform, don’t let that deter you from inquiring or applying. We can support the right candidate’s transition to our multiplatform newsroom.

The Specialty Beats Editor is an FLSA classified exempt position and is not eligible for overtime. The position reports directly to the Executive Editor, KERA News.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

● Assign, plan and edit stories for radio and digital platforms from press releases and other public information, interviews, research and data. Find creative ways to report on daily and breaking news and projects. The goal: High engagement and impact with substance.

● Build, edit and coach the Specialty Beats Reporting team as it grows and other reporters as needed.

● Deftly use information and context to ground the team’s reporting.

● Conceptualize, edit and distribute distinctive audio and digital stories relevant to a North Texas audience, with statewide and national context and impact.

● Coach and mentor reporters and producers across the newsroom on building expertise, developing project ideas and creative ways to tell stories on multiple platforms.

● Think creatively with the audience team about the best ways to present, publish and tell these stories and engage audiences with the content.

● Collaborate proactively with The Texas Newsroom and other local, regional and national partnerships.

● Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture where ideas are encouraged at all levels by modelling and training others in inclusive leadership practices.

● Create and participate in online and in-person events.

● Participate in and develop learning and training opportunities in the newsroom, in departments across KERA and across the state with The Texas Newsroom.

● Work closely with KERA’s Collaborative partners: The Texas Newsroom, Fort Worth Report, and others

As a KERA Employee:

● Be an active participant in KERA’s work towards equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging

● Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures

● Comply with KERA’s COVID policies

● Perform additional duties as assigned

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

● A minimum of 5 to 10 years in journalism or relevant experience.

● Proven ability to quickly write, voice and produce radio and/or digital stories.

● Demonstrated commitment to diversity in reporting and sourcing.

● Solid knowledge of Associated Press style, ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR ethics and editorial standards.

● Passionate and enthusiastic about public media journalism and serving a diverse North Texas audience.

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

● Experience with one or more of the following: audio production; multimedia production, particularly photography or video; hands-on audio editing and innovative audio storytelling; working with one or more content management systems; other relevant technical expertise.

● Degree in journalism, communications or related field or equivalent experience.

● Knowledge of North Texas people, cultures, issues and geography as well as national and international issues and events.

● Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas.

SALARY RANGE

$78,000-$88,000 annually, depending on experience

BENEFITS

· Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)

· Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance

· KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance

· Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment

· 403b plan with KERA-match after 1 year

· Culture intentionally focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

· Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household

LOCATION:

KERA welcomes a hybrid working environment. This position is expected to work in our Dallas office at least 50% of the time.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application on KERA’s employment page and attach a resume and cover letter summarizing why you’re a great fit for the position, and links to recent audio/digital work samples.

KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.