We are looking for a creative and thoughtful digital general assignment reporter to monitor daily and breaking news in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. An ability to quickly contextualize news events is imperative for this role.
VPM is Virginia’s home for public media, headquartered in Richmond to serve Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. The VPM News team produces award-winning journalism with distribution across all channels to more than 2 million people in the outlet’s coverage area. As an independent, nonprofit service, we strive to create and serve a more informed public.
The Charlottesville general assignment reporter will pitch and write concise daily stories, take assignments from editors and collaborate with other reporters and photographers on short- and long-term projects. The ideal candidate will possess superlative news judgment and an ability to consistently generate story ideas with unique angles.
This reporter will report to one of the VPM News editors and will operate on a swing shift from Monday to Friday, as well as occasional nights and weekends. While this overtime-eligible position is digital-first, audio and video training is possible depending on the candidate. This is a hybrid position based in the VPM office on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.
VPM believes attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving our community and fulfilling our mission to create and serve a more informed public.
Responsibilities:
- Pitches and reports compelling daily stories out of the Charlottesville region.
- Generates story ideas through information available in public records.
- Pivots to cover breaking news in and around Charlottesville — including the surrounding counties.
- Cultivates sources in the communities we serve, as well as in local and state government.
- Assists colleagues in covering news events.
- Contributes to long-term series, as well as elections and other special events coverage.
Desired skills and knowledge:
- An understanding of local and state politics or a willingness to immerse yourself and learn.
- Interest in coverage of underserved communities across Central Virginia.
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.
- Working proficiency in AP Style.
- Photography is a plus.
- Familiarity with public media’s goals and mission.
What we offer:
- 17 PTO days, 3 floating holidays, and 12 paid holidays in your first year of employment. The amount of PTO increases over time at a scheduled rate.
- Hybrid work schedule
- Catastrophic Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Options for medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance for you and your family.
- A 403b retirement plan with a matching contribution of 50% up to an 8% contribution. You are 100% vested.
- Opportunities for learning and development.
- Relevant educational and licensure reimbursement for qualified candidates.
- Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
- Transformative mental health employee assistance program (EAP).
Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled.
