Morning Edition Local Host — Utah

Details This; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job description

40 hours/week, Monday through Friday, 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Due to the nature of this position, the host will be required to live in Utah. Remote candidates cannot be considered.

VP Area

VP Area President

Department

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

$63,000 - $67,000

Close Date

11/06/2026

Priority Review Date

(Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

KUER is looking for a broadcaster and journalist ready to connect with Utahns as local host of NPR’s “Morning Edition.” The host serves as a trusted guide to NPR’s national and international reporting and storytelling. They also give the station its uniquely Utah lens by offering local information to help people begin their day, sharing KUER’s service‑oriented reporting and facilitating conversations that help everyone understand the Beehive State and meet their neighbors.

About us: KUER serves Utahns with trustworthy news and information, expertly crafted stories, plus conversations and diverse voices from around our state. To provide this essential public service, we’re dedicated to building an organizational culture that prioritizes collaboration. We seek a team that reflects our entire community, and we encourage contributions from people of various experiences. We are committed to attracting and retaining a staff whose perspectives are heard and valued. This is essential to our success.

Benefits

• … and more learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary KUER host and trusted local voice during NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Hosts additional morning programming as directed
• Following the station programming log, operates the board to mix NPR satellite feed and live breaks, including newscast, weather, station promotion and pre‑produced sponsorship
• Writes, produces and delivers on‑air news with contributions from KUER reporters, editors and in collaboration with the Morning Edition producer. Produces on‑demand news with producer
• Participates in regular airchecks with station manager to implement KUER’s promotion strategy and develop on‑air presence
• Adheres to deadlines and, in concert with editors, makes timely and effective decisions for breaking news
• Works closely with other staff and under the supervision of the editorial team in identifying, developing and creating journalism that supports KUER’s audience‑centric mission
• Prioritizes understanding the issues that matter most to Utahns to report and produce interviews and stories across multiple platforms including written, audio and video
• Ensures all work meets NPR News and KUER standards for accuracy, fairness, honesty and impartiality, including the station’s Standards of Integrity document
• Participates in regular newsroom editorial meetings, one‑on‑one check‑ins, airchecks and station meetings
• Actively participates in KUER fund drives and represents KUER at community and station events
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

• Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Department Specific Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional on‑air hosting and broadcast journalism experience with a commitment to growth and innovation
• A portfolio demonstrating strong on‑air presence compatible with current NPR aesthetics as well as interviewing, broadcast and digital writing and audio production skills
• Experience in board operation and familiarity with broadcast systems (Wide Orbit and Content Depot), news software (Burli, AP products) and digital audio software (Audition, ProTools, etc.)
• Sound news judgment and knowledge of journalistic best practices, including experience with AP style
• Enthusiasm for creative storytelling that centers the audience, serves their needs and includes perspectives from across Utah
• Strong commitment to a collaborative editorial process
• Understanding of local and national politics
• Excellent communicator, team player and problem solver with demonstrated human relations skills
• Ability to maintain a reliable and consistent schedule and thrive during demanding early morning hours
• Commitment to appearing on multiple platforms beyond broadcast radio such as video, social media and TV broadcast
• Willingness to grow and change with KUER and KUER News as we adapt to evolving audience habits and needs

Preferences

• Knowledge of Utah culture and politics
• The ability to write and speak fluently in a second language
• An active and engaging social media presence

Type

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581‑7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366‑7770 or (800) 695‑4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581‑7447 if you have questions regarding the post‑retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security‑related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5‑108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.