KZUM is an independent, community radio station operated by Sunrise Communications Inc. (501C3) in Lincoln NE since 1978. Over 100 volunteers produce music, public affairs and podcast programming that is available at 89.3FM and worldwide at KZUM.org.
The mission of KZUM is to educate and build community through broadcast media, with diverse and independent voices that enrich the perspectives of our audiences. The goal of KZUM News is to amplify the stories of our community that traditional media is not covering. We will work to foster understanding, growth and engagement within our community while reducing polarization through our content.
Position overview:
Due to this being a new position, the News Director/ Reporter will first focus on building our organization’s news gathering capacity, identifying needs and assist in developing a content roll out plan. With the organization’s mission in mind, this position will report and produce local news content for on air broadcast and online platforms.
Our ideal candidate will be a creative individual who is thoughtful, open minded, flexible and excited to lend creative input. And, most importantly, this candidate must be committed to inclusion of all voices in our community.
This is a full time, exempt position that reports to the General Manager.
The salary range is $30,000- $35,000.
Benefits include paid vacation and personal time. Comp time available.
This is a grant funded position with a yearly review required.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the gathering and production of news content on-air and online
- Covering/ attending local news worthy events and meetings that fit our mission
- Attend community events
- Assisting in live broadcasts/ conducting interviews
- Posting news content to social media
- Producing consistent content for radio broadcast
- Adhere to deadlines and make timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention
- Assist in preparing quarterly FCC reporting
- Provide guidance to news interns including story development and editing
- Assist in yearly evaluation of internal news practices and procedures for effectiveness and efficiency.
- Assist team in prep and operations of three yearly, on air fund drives
- Assist team in fundraising events and community outreach
- Attend weekly staff meeting and content meetings
- Opportunities for national networking, conferences and media events.
Desired Qualifications:
- Journalism degree or comparable experience in journalism
- Proficiency with social media platforms such as: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
- Proficiency with Google suite
- Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Audio editing proficiency (or eager to train)
- Familiarity with WordPress websites (or eager to train)
Required abilities:
- Comfortable with speaking on air and in public
- Excels in creative environment
- Strong team player
- Committed to working with and supporting our community
- Able to maintain a flexible schedule
- Ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks with our without supervision
- Commitment to maintaining ethical journalistic standards with integrity both online and out in the public
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for sources and colleagues.
Please submit the following to General Manager, Kerry Semrad at gm@kzum.org by December 15th, 2021:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- News writing sample, if available
- Audio news/ storytelling sample, if available
- Two professional references with contact information.
Please feel free to direct questions to KZUM General Manager, Kerry Semrad at gm@kzum.org
KZUM Community Radio is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal laws.