Temporary Reporter II

WNYC/Gothamist New York City, New York


Description

Temporary Reporter II                                  

WNYC and Gothamist Newsroom

We are seeking a tenacious reporter for a temporary position covering demographic and economic change in New York City neighborhoods, along with breaking news and general assignment reporting. The assignment will run from July 20 through December 4, 2026.

The newsroom is committed to helping New Yorkers understand the issues that affect their daily lives. We aim to produce ambitious, audience-centered journalism that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and reaches people across the New York metropolitan area. Reporters produce journalism for live radio, on-demand podcasts, Gothamist, social media and newsletters, serving audiences across audio and digital platforms.

We're looking for a curious, enterprising and fair journalist with a track record of producing fast, accurate breaking news and original accountability reporting. The ideal candidate isn't afraid to knock on doors, build trust in underserved communities, dig through public records or make dozens of phone calls to get the story right.

This reporter will pitch and produce several stories each week examining how New York City's neighborhoods are changing, from housing development and land use to affordability, displacement, business corridors and shifting populations. They will mine community board agendas, City Council hearings, planning and zoning proposals, tenant organizations and other neighborhood forums for story ideas, using them to identify emerging issues, build sources and pursue enterprise reporting.

The reporter will be expected to respond quickly to breaking news on their beat while also pursuing enterprise stories that provide context, accountability and fresh angles to help New Yorkers better understand the forces reshaping their communities. As newsroom priorities require, they will also contribute to broader breaking news and public safety coverage.

 Responsibilities:

  • Report and produce original news stories in both text and audio form that are clear, thorough, fair, timely and accurate.
  • Build sources, including in the state and federal court systems, that lead to scoops our audience can’t get elsewhere.
  • Conceive, source and pitch stories on a variety of topics that will engage listeners and readers, answering pressing questions and giving daily utility that drives daily audience habits.
  • Consistently meet daily publishing deadlines.
  • Participate fully as a member of the public safety coverage team by contributing to coverage plans, meetings, brainstorming sessions, and newsroom projects.
  • Effectively coordinate with other editors and digital journalists for maximum reach across our platforms.
  • Enthusiastically participate in newsroom-wide efforts to improve workflows, policies, and various practices as requested.
  • Ability to work occasional weekend shifts, in rotation with other reporter colleagues, and one holiday a year. These shifts would be scheduled with advanced notice. 
  • Other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications:

  • 5 years professional reporting experience at a reputable news organization
  • Superb communication skills, including public speaking skills, the ability to multitask, and experience covering breaking news
  • Aptitude and comfort producing a broad range of content, including audio, text news stories, and social media
  • Experience covering breaking news and developing sources
  • Experience with audience-centered engagement projects strongly preferred
  • Competence in SEO and other digital audience skills
  • Experience using production systems and software tools required to edit, produce and curate content
  • Demonstrated ability to find stories that engage audiences and to anticipate reader/listener interests
  • Demonstrated ability to hear constructive feedback and incorporate the feedback into the work 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of complex social and cultural issues
  • Demonstrated commitment and ability to contribute an equity lens to every aspect of reporting
  • Deep commitment to accurate, ethical journalism, and impeccable journalistic integrity and judgment
  • Self-starter with proven ability to meet deadlines and pay close attention to detail and fact-checking
  • The ability to work effectively with the public and colleagues at New York Public Radio
  • Experience with data and in-depth investigative reporting is a plus.

  Additional information
This is a two-year, temporary, full-time, nonexempt position. The annual salary is $94,040.13, based on a 35-hour work week, with benefits. This position is covered by a collective bargaining  SAG-AFTRA. 

This role is based in New York City (or the immediate metro area) and operates in a hybrid capacity. This individual is expected to work onsite at WNYC’s Manhattan headquarters at least 2 days a week.  

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations in the service of that journalism benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling and reportage; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.

 Equal Opportunity

New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.