Capitol Bureau Chief Reporter, Broadcast Media-Montana Public Radio

Description

Broadcast Media-Montana Public Radio (MTPR) invites applications for a Capitol Bureau Chief Reporter to produce news reports on legislative and state news for broadcast and publication on Montana Public Radio. This position will be located at an office in the state capitol, in Helena.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow legislative committee hearings and debates, assess news value of state government issue and policy developments, conduct interviews, write, edit and produce news stories
• Represent Montana Public Radio in Helena and answer public inquiries about station and news policy
• Develop working knowledge of the legislative process; knowledge of public radio journalism traditions; and ability to work well in a team setting under deadline pressure
• Assist staff with state election coverage including interviews with candidates and political analysts, newscast production, and election related content
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science or related fields
• Two (2) years of experience in a reporting role, preferably in public radio or television, with emphasis on government agency and legislative issues
• Knowledge of journalism ethics and standards of objectivity, fairness, and balance
• Excellent speaking and writing skills
• Ability to research and comprehend complex issues, and translate them into clear, concise news reports for broadcast
• Ability to interview, record, write and digitally edit audio, video and still photography files
• Professional demeanor and behavior and ability to interact with a wide variety of people
• Ability to post audio, video and photography online across multiple platforms
• Ability to convert radio broadcast content to online posts
• Ability to perform under deadline pressures and highly emotional circumstances
  
  

Additional Information

Position Number: 061960

Compensation Title: Media Programmer

Bargaining Unit: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), 12 months/year

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A Complete Application Includes

Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.

Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience

Three (3) Professional References – names and contact information

Samples of Work – three to five (3-5) examples (copies of work or document with links to websites) of your best journalism work.

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.

The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the Montana University System Benefits website for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.