This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Spearheads the newsroom's most critical and high-impact stories, providing in-depth reporting. Collects, analyzes, and verifies information to produce, voice, and edit in-depth news stories for broadcast and online publication. This role simplifies complex topics for a general audience, regularly breaks news, and delivers exclusive, enterprise reporting. The Senior Reporter may mentor other reporters and provide editorial leadership in the News Director's absence.
Duties and Responsibilities
Pitches original and timely news stories by evaluating leads, tips, and assignments. Regularly produces breaking news, exclusive scoops, and enterprise reporting, effectively explaining complex topics to a general audience.
Gathers and verifies information through interviews, observation, and research, demonstrating expertise in a specific news beat (e.g., public health, state government) when assigned. Explains complex subjects to a general audience, consistently breaking news and producing exclusive, in-depth enterprise reporting.
Builds and maintains relationships with diverse sources, including public officials, administrators, researchers, and community leaders. Delivers live reports from event sites, mobile broadcast units, or in-studio as needed.
Develops story framing, writes features, two-ways, spot news, and cut-and-copies, adhering to KUNM editorial style and format.
Records and edits audio from pre-recorded broadcast-ready features, two-ways, and spots, ensuring high-quality production.
Creates supplementary content, including photographs or video, to enhance stories. Develops digital and social media posts, expanding online stories into more in-depth coverage. Provides live reports from event sites or in-studio and may guide live coverage, including special events such as Election Nights.
Hosts and produces news programs, conducting interviews with guests. Leads the newsroom's response to major breaking news events, providing authoritative and timely coverage.
Provides mentorship to other reporters, including student employees, offering guidance on complex projects. Assumes editorial leadership in the absence of the News Director by leading meetings and overseeing coverage.
Actively participates in KUNM fundraising efforts.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to write and produce broadcast-quality audio and digital news stories.
Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining accuracy.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Knowledge of journalistic principles, ethics, standards, and techniques.
Skill in the use of journalistic research, methods, and techniques.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and solid news judgment.
Familiarity with audio storytelling and audio editing.
Advanced skills in explaining complex subjects to a general audience.
Strong enterprise reporting abilities and experience breaking news.
Leadership and mentoring abilities to train staff and student employees.
Conditions of Employment
Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No or very limited physical effort required.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment with regular field assignments.
The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.
