Description

TARRANT COUNTY ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTER  

KERA is hiring a creative, enterprising Tarrant County Accountability Reporter dedicated to high-impact journalism in the Fort Worth and Tarrant County region. The reporter will focus on holding people and organizations in positions of power accountable through consistent coverage of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, criminal justice system and courts, along with other county entities. The reporter will also focus on the politics, culture and lived impact of county policies and services with an eye to the growth and changing demographics in the region and the public institutions that play a defining role in Tarrant County life.

WHO WE ARE:
Serving the country’s fourth-largest media market, KERA reaches more than 5 million people monthly through KERA TV, KERA News, KXT, WRR and The Denton Record-Chronicle. For more than 65 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a destination for community engagement and lifelong learning. 

As we seek to recognize and reflect our audience and communities, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and points of view to consider employment opportunities at KERA. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Tarrant County Accountability Reporter is a full-time position that is part of KERA’s Newsroom and reports to the Collaborations Editor.

The reporter will focus on holding local and regional officials accountable for the decisions they make and the money they control. Coverage focus will center on Tarrant County, state and national government as it relates to Tarrant County; population growth and changing demographics and the County’s decision making related to growth and change; and County organizations and institutions that play a part in public life and the politics, culture and lived experience of Tarrant County residents.

The ideal candidate is a fearless journalist with knowledge of and experience covering municipal government and policy. We are looking for a creative storyteller who is audience-centered and able to tell stories using data. The reporter must be versatile, resourceful and resilient – and bring context to daily enterprise stories as well as deeper dives.

This is an FLSA classified non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime. The position directly reports to the Collaborations Editor. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

 Focus on accountability journalism by using data and public records to find, inform and tell stories for digital, broadcast and social platforms including KERA’s local morning show. Find creative ways to report on everything from breaking news to in-depth projects. The goal: High impact with deep substance.
Deliver stories that are accurate, fair, meticulously reported and produced, and provide context for our audiences.
Develop and maintain broad ranges of sources representing the diverse North Texas community as related to Tarrant County news
Use social media as a news-gathering tool, to help shape and promote coverage and build our audience and relationships. 
Think creatively with the digital audience team about the best ways to present, publish and tell these stories and engage audiences with the content.
Collaborate proactively with The Texas Newsroom, Fort Worth Report and other local, regional and national partnerships.
Engage with the public and participate in digital and in-person events.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture in the newsroom, contribute compelling story ideas and experiment with innovative storytelling techniques.
Participate in fundraising and engagement activities as assigned.
Participate in training opportunities in the newsroom, KERA, The Texas Newsroom, etc.

As a KERA Employee:

Work in a manner that is consistent with KERA’s mission, vision and values; and maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
Perform additional duties as assigned.
 

This list of job duties is not exhaustive and is subject to regular reviews and updates.          

Requirements

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL:

We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences and passions. If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you’re the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

A minimum of 3 years in journalism or relevant experience.
Ability to quickly write, voice and produce radio and/or digital stories.
Passionate and enthusiastic about public media journalism and serving a diverse Tarrant County and North Texas audience.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity in reporting and sourcing.
Solid knowledge of Associated Press style, ability to exercise sound news judgment and follow KERA/NPR ethics and editorial standards.
 

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

Experience with one or more of the following: digital and/or audio production; multimedia production, particularly photography or video; hands-on audio editing and innovative audio storytelling; working with one or more content management systems; other relevant technical expertise.
Knowledge of open records process:  computer-assisted reporting, and data-driven reporting along with familiarity of legal issues related to investigative news reporting.
Knowledge of Tarrant County and North Texas people, cultures, issues and geography as well as national and international issues and events.
Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas.
 

SALARY RANGE

$58,000 - $68,000, annually depending on experience  
 

BENEFITS

Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11) 
Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance 
KERA-paid short and long-term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance 
Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment 
401k plan with KERA-contribution after 6 months 
Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household 
Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth 
 

LOCATION
We expect that this position will work out of the Dallas or Ft. Worth Report office at least 25% of the time. (equivalent to 1-2 days)

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application on KERA’s employment page. 
Attach a resume with links to recent audio/digital work samples.
Add an optional cover letter indicating why you’re excited about joining the KERA team. 
 

KERA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.