Job Description
About OPB Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB connects people through trusted journalism that is freely accessible to everyone. Guided by public service and a commitment to equity, we deliver in-depth, fact-driven coverage of politics, science and the environment, arts and culture, education and more. OPB shares stories and programs wherever people seek them: on opb.org, OPB Radio and TV, the OPB News app, social media, streaming video, podcasts, or our daily "First Look" and other email newsletters.
The Opportunity At OPB, we have a dedicated group of Announcers entrusted with connecting news and stories with our listeners across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Because our work is ongoing, OPB is seeking fill-in Announcers to support our ability to cover for our full-time on-air talent when they need to step away. That's where you come in!
This is a crucial role that builds trust in OPB by engaging authentically with the listener while connecting them with needed news and information throughout the day. You will prepare copy for programming breaks and newscasts. You'll also run the broadcast console while interacting with automation/digital playout system, read copy while keeping a close eye on the news, programming information, and promotions and maintaining an engaging presence with our listeners throughout.
You will receive robust training from a skilled group of programming, on-air and operations staff. Your position will work on an as-needed basis, rather than on a consistent schedule. You have the opportunity to choose the shifts that work for you when they become available! This is a great position for someone who needs flexibility in their schedule and has an interest in broadcasting and journalism. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we hope to see you apply!
Position Details The Fill-In Announcer for OPB Radio upholds OPB's highest journalistic and audience service standards and ensures radio program continuity in a professional and authentically engaging way. The position regularly monitors broadcasts during on-air shifts, operates the broadcast board and alerts appropriate team members of concerns and problems. They also respond to breaking and special news coverage as directed and assists with fundraising efforts, as needed, during radio membership drives.
Responsibilities 95% - Serve as OPB Radio announcer and newscaster. Fills on-air shifts as scheduled along with all the details associated with and required by each shift.
- Monitors all appropriate sources for news updates and serves as trusted guide and source of news
- Produces and delivers hourly newscasts (where scheduled)
- Ensures program continuity, keeping to OPB's highest journalistic and audience service standards
- Produces all breaks within shift as required. Removes and replaces content within a program, as needed and directed, and creates smooth transitions with or without music
- Operates the broadcast console and alerts appropriate team members of concerns or problems. Regularly monitors broadcasts during on-air shifts and responds to breaking and special news coverage
- Responds to emergency and technical situations during shift
- Participate in 1-on-1 aircheck sessions with supervisor as scheduled. Also attend periodic team and all-staff meetings
5% This position participates in membership drive outside of a scheduled air shift
Working Conditions - Work environment: Onsite Essential (Must be onsite regardless of weather conditions)
- Schedule: This position works evenings and weekend days as assigned, but may, on occasion, work outside of this schedule
- Physical demands: Lifting/carrying/moving equipment up to 20 pounds is sometimes required
- Travel: Travel not required (besides travel to and from OPB studios)
Required Education & Experience - Radio broadcast, audio journalism or professional podcast hosting experience
- Journalism experience
Preferred Education & Experience - Journalism or other communications-focused degree
- Radio production experience
Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Experience and demonstrated ability to use digital audio recording and editing equipment
- Authentic, engaging professional verbal communication skills
- Excellent writing and listening skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Able to make appropriate decisions under stress
- Ability to work alone and in a team environment
- Genuine enthusiasm for the services and mission of OPB
- Enthusiasm for the changing news production environment and the tools and software used to facilitate our work
Preferred Position Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Ability to work with a wide variety of disciplines (reporters, editors, news director and news magazine hosts)
- Experience with editorial decisions in newscast production
- Demonstrated ability to handle newscasts and breaks within a program clock
- Technology savvy, familiarity with collaborative tools, social media tools and experience using content management system
Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Additional Information - This position reports to the Radio Programming Director and is benefits eligible
- This position may be subject to union representation. More information will be available to selected candidate when available
- The hiring rate for this nonexempt position is $25.00 hourly
- For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy, and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination
How to Apply For application instructions, please visit OPB's careers page. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position related questions. Once you click "submit" you cannot make changes to your application.
This is an evergreen position which means that we are seeking to build a pool of qualified candidates and will select candidates from this pool when there is a need to fill a position. You can expect this job post to stay open throughout the year. We will reach out to candidates as a position becomes available. We typically expect to hire a few people per year.
Position open until filled.
OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, For contractors, Shift work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift, All shifts,