Politics Reporter

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

Job summary

The Politics Reporter position at UNC-Chapel Hill's WUNC Radio, based in Raleigh, NC, reports to the Supervising Editor and covers state and local politics with speed and accuracy. You will produce quick-turnaround spot news, interviews, debriefings, anchor wraps, online reports and feature pieces, working during evenings and weekends as events require.

Applicants should have a post-Baccalaureate degree or equivalent, strong journalism credentials, and a proven ability to meet deadlines while

Qualifications

• Minimum education: post-Baccalaureate degree or equivalent; or a Bachelor's with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven journalism experience with strong communication skills.
• Experience with public radio or related not-for-profit fundraising is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Report on state and local politics with quick turnaround spot news, interviews and feature reports.
• Produce online reports and anchor wraps as needed.
• Collaborate with Supervising Editor and colleagues to coordinate coverage.

Skills

Journalism experience

Strong communication skills

Creativity and initiative

Deadline-driven

Team collaboration

Familiarity with NC politics

Public radio fundraising experience

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree with 3+ years experience

Job description

Posting Information

• 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

Position Information

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.

Special Instructions

Applicants: please be sure to include links to your reporting work in your CV (or as an attachment in the "Other Document.")

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326185

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.