Grand Junction Multimedia Journalist

Rocky Mountain Public Media; Fruita (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocky Mountain Public Media seeks a Western Slope Multimedia Journalist to cover Grand Junction and western Colorado. The role blends reporting, shooting, editing, and social media storytelling for digital and broadcast audiences.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in journalism, strong writing/editing, video production skills, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud. A driver’s license and ability to travel are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or relevant field required.
• 3-5 years of journalism experience in deadline environments.
• Excellent writing and editing for publication.
• Video production and editing proficiency.
• Demonstrated expertise with Adobe Creative Cloud software.
• Experience creating content for social media.

Responsibilities

• Produce and publish daily responsive reporting on Western Slope communities.
• Write, shoot and edit video packages for multiple platforms.
• Take high-quality photographs for stories.
• Develop sources and conduct investigations for in-depth pieces.
• Pitch and report two original stories per week.
• Attend editorial meetings and collaborate across teams.
• Support multi-platform publication of stories.

Skills

News writing

Video editing

Adobe Creative Cloud

Social media content

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or relevant field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Grand Junction Multimedia Journalist

Grand Junction, CO

Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc. (RMPM) is the parent company of Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop. Over a million Coloradans turn to Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO Jazz, and The Drop to discover provocative and inspiring local, national, and international programming; find diverse viewpoints; score front row center seats to world-class performances; and experience lifelong learning opportunities every month.

Rocky Mountain PBS, a broadcast and digital newsroom, seeks a Western Slope Multi-Media Journalist to expand our coverage throughout western Colorado. The RMPBS newsroom gives local Colorado stories the documentary treatment and produces reports that lead with impact and prioritize the experiences of our friends and neighbors across the state.

Reporters in the RMPBS newsroom balance written stories and videos, work closely with one another and other public media newsrooms, and experiment with different storytelling formats and styles in order to do so. As a public media newsroom, RMPBS champions stories from underrepresented communities and doesn't shy away from complexity. We're committed to learning and growing together.

You're an experienced reporter with a developed news sense and an instinct for which stories make great video features, which shine on social media and which require the kind of deep dive that only an investigation can provide. As a reporter, you understand how to cover a beat for consistent coverage and feel confident working with sources and meeting your neighbors. You understand how to manage your time and thrive in a newsroom that gives you the freedom to pursue your own pitches while meeting deadlines and story expectations. You're led by curiosity and enjoy asking questions.

This full-time, Fruita-based role requires:

Researching Grand Junction and its surrounding communities as a beat and developing original story ideas arising from on-the-ground reporting; Shooting and editing video for digital and broadcast audiences; Taking high-quality photographs for every story; Producing social reels, storybooks and posts related to your stories; Developing sources, gathering information through investigations and thorough research; Pitching and reporting two original journalism pieces per week; Participating in regular editorial meetings, training sessions and collaborations; Contributing to multi-platform publication of stories

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily production of responsive reporting covering the communities of the Western Slope, including Grand Junction, as well as special projects around Colorado when required
• Writes stories, shoots and edits video packages and takes photographs for multiple platforms at Rocky Mountain Public Media in line with our mission of a Colorado where everyone feels seen and heard
• Develops beat coverage with a deep understanding of story mix and reporting anchored in consistent coverage of important stories and follow-ups for accountability
• Grows coverage by engaging with communities and maintaining relationships with sources
• Possesses mature time management skills and is able to manage simultaneous short- and long-term projects and regular deadlines
• Uses solid news judgement when recognizing relevant and engaging stories that serve our audience
• Actively participates in RMPM's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training program and maintains high standards of ethical behavior when reporting from the field and representing RMPBS to the public
• Shoots and edits video assets, including, as needed, working with production on full-feature documentaries, social media dispatches, interviews and others while following PBS, NPR, and FCC technical standards
• Collaborates with outside media partners and RMPM departments on projects and initiatives
• Attends weekly editorial pitch meetings to stay up-to-date on overall newsroom coverage, receive deadline assignments from editors and identify potential collaborations with colleagues
• Keeps track of miles traveled, meals and hotel accommodations for budget and expense reporting as well as monitors hours for work completed as part of grants
• Maintains a spirit of curiosity, experimentation and creativity in trying out new formats and projects
• Other tasks as assigned and/or required

Minimum Qualifications of Position

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or relevant field
• 3-5 years of experience in journalism and deadline environments
• Excellent skills in news writing and editing for publication
• Experienced and adept in video production and video editing
• Must have demonstrated expertise in using Adobe Creative Cloud software
• Familiar and comfortable creating content for social media
• A mix of demonstrated skills, abilities and knowledge may be considered in place of educational requirements

ADDITIONAL Qualifications of Position

• Preferred Spanish-language proficiency
• Must be able to work both independently and as a collaborative and productive team member with strong interpersonal skills
• Must thrive in a deadline environment and possess exceptional time management, decision making and organizational skills
• Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable for driving station vehicles
• A drone license or drone-flying experience is preferred

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and/or people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every qualification. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce. If you're excited about this role, feel a passion for our mission, this feels like it could be your dream job, but your previous experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply!

Work Environment

The Grand Junction MMJII will primarily work out of the Rocky Mountain Public Media office in Fruita. The MMJ II will also work in studio, editing and field environments. This position must be able to work a flexible schedule with occasionally long hours, including some evenings and weekends. Must be able to travel throughout the state and beyond, on occasion. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The position requires the ability to lift and carry production equipment up to 50 lbs. The physical demands described here of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

Rocky Mountain Public Media embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As such, Rocky Mountain Public Media does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.