Politics Reporter

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's WUNC Radio seeks a Politics Reporter to cover North Carolina state and local government from the Legislative Building in Raleigh. The role requires quick-turnaround news, interviews, and feature reporting.

Candidates should have strong writing and communications, plus a background in public radio or related not-for-profit fundraising. Weekend and after-hours work are common. This position is based in Chapel Hill with state-wide reporting duties.

Qualifications

• Experienced journalist with strong communication skills.
• Experience as a radio producer preferred.
• Ability to plan and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with North Carolina politics.

Responsibilities

• Report on State and local politics.
• Produce quick-turnaround spot news and interviews.
• Create online reports and well-researched features.
• Work at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, NC and handle after-hours duties.

Skills

Journalist experience

Radio producer

Communication skills

Creativity

Deadline management

Team collaboration

North Carolina politics

Public radio fundraising

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree or equivalent

Job description

Department: WUNC-FM-259000

Career Area : Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Posting Open Date: 09/30/2026

Application Deadline: 10/21/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Politics Reporter

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 01000562

Vacancy ID: NF0010088

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $85,000

Proposed Start Date: 11/02/2026

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

WUNC Radio provides quality news, information and entertainment programming to a broad listening audience that includes North Carolina, the United States and the world. WUNC serves North Carolinians from Greensboro to the Outer Banks through a network of ten stations.

Position Summary

The Politics Reporter reports to WUNC’s Supervising Editor. This position is responsible for reporting on State and local politics. The reporting includes quick turnaround spot news, interviews, reporter debriefings, anchor wraps, online reports and well-researched feature reports. It is based in the Legislative Building in Raleigh, NC. As news events do not conform to a regular 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule, there are times when the Politics Reporter is called on for work during weekends and after hours.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The Politics Reporter will be an experienced journalist with strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• At least three years of experience as a journalist and/or radio producer, preferably in a public radio newsroom.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Creativity and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and meet deadlines, working with materials from a variety of sources and collaborators.
• Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues effectively and collaboratively.
• A familiarity with politics and North Carolina.
• Experience with public radio or related not-for-profit fundraising.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.