WPSU-Part-Time Election Researcher/Reporter

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

WPSU is accepting applications for a part-time researcher/reporter to help WPSU search out and debunk disinformation and misinformation in our coverage area.

The researcher/reporter will receive training to work on a grant funded project with the Center for Media Engagement. They will monitor election messaging and create news stories to share correct information with communities throughout central and northern Pennsylvania, with possible distribution statewide through our reporting partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitoring election-related messages, including social media, comment sections, content from potentially problematic websites, and questions from community members.
• Logging and reviewing instances of possibly incorrect information in a database provided by the Center for Media Engagement.
• Working with the WPSU newsroom and community leaders to share correct election information.
• Receiving training from and coordinating with the Center for Media Engagement.
• Writing articles and radio stories (or providing supporting information to reporters) with information about elections that responds to the questionable content identified as part of the project.

Qualifications:

• Two years reporting experience, with a preference for experience in political reporting.
• Strong researching, writing, editing, interviewing and on-air delivery.
• A commitment to ethical, accurate journalism.
• Familiarity with central and northern Pennsylvania is a bonus.

Timeframe:

• The project starts Sept. 1 and continues until at least Nov. 20. Up to 20 hours/week. We'll work with the chosen candidate to establish a schedule that works for both of us.

**To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and 2-3 work samples (radio/TV samples preferred).

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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