VPM is hiring a Digital Journalist

Virginia's home for Public Media (VPM); Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 17 days

Floating Holidays 3

Holiday coverage 12

Catastrophic Leave

Health Insurance

403b with match

Education reimbursement

EAP

Job summary

VPM News seeks a versatile Digital Journalist to produce, shoot, and edit visual-first content for our digital platforms, including YouTube and social media. You will travel within our coverage area to capture compelling visuals and craft engaging stories for online audiences.

You will work in a fast-paced environment that blends fieldwork with newsroom collaboration, reporting to the Video Editor. This hourly, full-time role supports our growing digital presence and requires occasional nights

Qualifications

• Five years of digital journalism, photography and/or video experience for digital news platforms.
• Ability to operate Canon XK605 Pro Camcorder and Canon EOS R3 DSLR camera.
• Proficient in video editing using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Understanding of digital journalism ethics including captions and alt-text for accessibility.
• Organizational skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Produce, shoot, and edit visual-first content for VPM News across platforms.
• Create visual-first story packages for digital platforms.
• Collaborate with News Operations Manager and tech teams on digital asset management.
• Assist colleagues in covering news events for digital formats.
• Contribute to long-term digital series and special events coverage.
• Cultivate sources within communities and government.

Skills

Digital journalism

Video production

Video editing

AP Style

Canon XK605

Canon EOS R3

Camera operation

Driver's license

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Title: Digital Journalist
Location: Richmond, VA (Hybrid/Field-Based)
Job Type: Full-Time with Benefits, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Department: News
Hiring Salary: $60,000-$65,000

SUMMARY

VPM News is seeking a versatile, creative Digital Journalist to join one of the largest newsrooms and award-winning teams in Virginia.

VPM delivers essential local and statewide news across TV, radio, web, e-newsletters, podcasting and social media. The newsroom is part of a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in downtown Richmond, which serves as a hub for storytelling, civic dialogue and public connection. It’s an exciting moment to join VPM News as we grow our digital presence and expand what journalism can look like.

In this role, you’ll generate visual-first packages for our website and digital platforms — including YouTube, Instagram/Facebook, TikTok and more — growing and engaging audiences of all ages. You’ll also travel across our coverage area as needed to gather the visuals that bring these stories to life.

This is an overtime-eligible position, reporting to VPM’s Video Editor, that moves at the pace of Virginia’s news cycle. While the role generally follows a Monday–Friday schedule, scheduled night and weekend shifts are common, as are the occasional long, unpredictable days that come with breaking news.

As an independent, nonprofit news organization, we believe a diverse staff is essential to serving our community and fulfilling our mission to create and sustain a more informed public.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produces, shoots, and edits visual-first content for VPM News — including long- and short-form vertical and horizontal video, and digital photography — in collaboration with editors and beat reporters
• Generates visual-first story packages for digital platforms
• Works closely with the News Operations Manager and technology department to own our newsroom’s digital asset management
• Assists colleagues in covering news events and transforming or repackaging them for digital platforms
• Contributes to long-term digital series, as well as elections and other special events coverage as needed
• Cultivates sources in the communities we serve, as well as in local and state government

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five (5) years of experience producing digital journalism, photography and/or video for digital news platforms
• Ability to operate a Canon XK605 Pro Camcorder and a Canon EOS R3 DSLR camera
• Proficient in using video-editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite
• Demonstrated understanding of digital journalism ethics and best practices, including filename conventions, caption and alt-text writing for readability and accessibility
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse teams and audiences
• Comfortable with using digital asset managers to find, retain, and archive visual assets for future newsroom use
• Working proficiency in AP Style
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required car insurance
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. at a time for extended amounts of time
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as necessary for breaking news
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Slack, Airtable, Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Strong ability to balance multiple priorities, projects and tasks
• Ability and Remote Pilot Certificate licensure to operate a drone

OUR PERKS & BENEFITS

• 17 PTO days (based on tenure tiers)
• 3 Floating Holidays
• 12 Federally Observed Holidays
• Catastrophic Leave
• Options for medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance for you and your family
• Company-paid Basic Life and AD&DD
• 403b Retirement Plan w/ Match & 100% vesting from Date of Hire
• Opportunities for learning and development.
• Relevant educational and licensure reimbursement for qualified candidates
• Transformative mental health employee assistance program (EAP)
• Access to our Micro Market, Terrace, and Café