WPSU

WPSU Penn State is seeking an Assistant Director of Programming & Broadcast Operations to support the Director in providing oversight for the broadcast and media distribution operations of WPSU, in assisting with content distribution across four broadcast channels, three FM channels, streaming and digital services, and serving as a member of the leadership team. WPSU houses the region’s National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations and develops programming and education initiatives to raise awareness of important social issues.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to assisting the Director to:

● Oversee the day-to-day broadcast and media distribution operations

● Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, broadcast industry standards, university policies, and safety guidelines

● Oversee and manage program development and production, broadcast engineering and operations, regulatory compliance and reporting

● Manage the FM radio station

● Ensure that public radio and television stations acquire, produce and distribute diverse programming content

● Negotiate contracts for acquisition and distribution of program content

● Provide direct supervision to the broadcast operations and programming staff, the Digital Content Specialist as well as oversight of the news team

● Oversee, develop and administer annual operating budgets

This position requires:

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

● Extensive knowledge of broadcast industry standards, university policies, and federal and state laws and regulations

● Ability to multitask and produce results while adhering to multiple deadlines

● Knowledge of production practices and trends

● Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships and strategic partnerships

● Knowledge of the public media environment is a plus

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Education and Experience:

Position typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher plus five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 Additional Information: Applications should include cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

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SALARY BAND:

F (STFF)-$27,228 – $54,456

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

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WPSU is seeking a skilled and engaging reporter and on-air host to join our award-winning team as a Producer/Director 2 or 3. The reporter/on-air host will create news stories, feature stories and interviews, and they will serve as on-air host and newscaster for All Things Considered weekdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on WPSU.

WPSU reports on the critical issues facing our 13-county region of central Pennsylvania, especially in the areas of education, the arts, economic development, rural issues, health care, the environment, agriculture and politics. Our reporters’ stories regularly air statewide, thanks to close partnerships with other Pennsylvania public media stations. We also file stories for National Public Radio (NPR).
WPSU is located in the hometown of Penn State University and licensed to the university. State College is a vibrant college town full of cultural opportunities and surrounded by natural beauty and recreation opportunities. The public schools are excellent, and it’s known as a good place to raise a family. New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and D.C. are all within a 3-5 hour drive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pitch, report, write and produce daily news stories, feature stories and interviews for radio and the web.
• Serve as on-air host for All Things Considered. Hosting experience preferred, but we will train the right candidate who already has strong reporting skills and good delivery.
• Write, edit and deliver on-air newscasts during shift.
• Gather audio, take photos and videos, and use AP style in writing.
• Use audio editing software to put together stories for air. (WPSU uses Hindenburg and Adobe Audition.)
• Contact, interview and cultivate relationships with a diverse array of sources.
• Take part in on-air fundraising.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing, editing and interviewing skills.
• Engaging and fluid on-air hosting presence.
• Ability to run broadcast boards preferred, but will train the right candidate.
• Ability to meet frequent deadlines and juggle multiple projects.
• Good news judgment and a passion for local news.
• A commitment to ethical, accurate journalism.
• Familiarity with public media journalism preferred.
• Multimedia experience preferred; basic photography skills required.
• Experience supporting/advancing diversity and inclusion.
• Self-motivated enough to work alone, but collaborative enough to work with a team.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends, as news requires.
• Familiarity with central Pennsylvania preferred.
• Reporter must have access to transportation in order to travel for stories.
• A valid driver’s license and standard background checks are required.

Education and Experience:

This position will be filled at a level 2 or level 3 depending upon the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. Typically requires a Bachelor’s or higher plus 1 year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 2. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs.

This is a fixed-term appointment funded for two years from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding.

WPSU offers excellent benefits through Penn State, including generous time off, a choice between state pension or TIAA-CREF retirement benefits with 9.29% employer match, health insurance and a 75% Penn State tuition discount (for the employee, their spouse and dependent children up to 26 years old).

Additional Information: To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume and links or files for three recent stories (preferably radio or TV).

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Apply online »

WPSU is looking for a part-time journalist to cover the critical issues our communities face. The reporter will create short news stories and longer features on events, issues and trends throughout the 13 central Pennsylvania counties WPSU covers.

WPSU is located in the hometown of Penn State University and licensed to the university. State College is a vibrant college town full of cultural opportunities, surrounded by natural beauty. New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and D.C. are all within a 3-5 hour drive.
**To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and three recent stories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pitch, report, write and produce daily news stories and feature stories for radio, the web and social media.Gather audio, take photos and videos, and use AP style in writing.
• Use audio editing software to put together stories for air. (WPSU uses Hindenburg and Adobe Audition.)
• Contact, interview and cultivate relationships with a diverse array of sources.Serve as on-air host for daily news magazine shows as needed.
• Take part in on-air fundraising.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree, plus at least one year of reporting experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong writing, editing, interviewing and on-air delivery.
• Good news judgment and a passion for local news.
• A commitment to ethical, accurate journalism.
• Multimedia experience preferred; Basic photography skills required.
• Experience supporting/advancing diversity and inclusion.
• Self-motivated enough to work alone, but collaborative enough to work with a team.Ability to work some nights and weekends, as news requires.
• Familiarity with central Pennsylvania is a bonus.
• Reporter must have access to transportation in order to travel for stories.
• A valid driver’s license and standard background checks are required.

Compensation:

• The position is 20 hours a week and base pay is $17.50/hr.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Apply online »

WPSU Penn State is looking for occasional wage employees for television production. Candidates must have or want experience in studio-based and/or remote-based production including one or more of these skilled areas: camera operation, lighting design and/or setup, studio and/or remote audio recording, audio reinforcement, wireless and boom micing and video editing. Due to short response time requirements, preference will be given to local applicants. Hours will vary according to the production needs and will not exceed 20 hrs/week. Pay will be commensurate with experience. Please supply a resume and references.

Apply online »