Investigative Reporter, KUT, Moody College of Communication

General Notes

The Texas Newsroom is seeking a journalist to join our investigative reporting unit. This investigative reporter will tell groundbreaking stories for audio and digital audiences in Texas and across the country, based at KUT News in Austin.

The Texas Newsroom is the landmark regional news collaboration of NPR and public radio stations across the state. It includes KERA in North Texas, KUT in Austin, Houston Public Media and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio.

This position is based in Austin, Texas.

The investigative reporter will report their own stories and team up with journalists at KUT News in Austin and other Texas public radio stations. They will cover investigative stories relevant to audiences in the Austin area as well as statewide.

This is a position with the opportunity to make a significant impact. The ideal candidate is passionate about accountability reporting and deeply curious about how decisions made by leaders impact the lives of Austinites and Texans, particularly those who have been afforded the fewest resources.

We encourage applications from those with a background in investigative reporting, as well as from beat reporters or others with enterprise reporting experience. Applicants should be eager to break stories, find documents and data, and cultivate sources within various communities around the state. Previous radio experience is a plus but is not required. Enthusiasm for collaborating with others is a must.

This job reports to Neena Satija, the leader of The Texas Newsroom’s investigative reporting unit, who is based at KUT News. Ana Campbell is the special projects editor of The Texas Newsroom.

• Report investigative news stories for on-air and online platforms, including KUT News, Texas Standard (the national daily news show of Texas) and public radio stations across the state.
• Engage with audiences from various backgrounds to form a deep understanding of how leaders’ decisions affect Texans’ lives.
• Actively collaborate with NPR and public radio stations throughout Texas. Participate in editorial meetings and editing sessions.
• Occasionally contribute quick-turn stories such as audio newscast spots or digital breaking news stories.
• Participate in on-air fundraising and make special public appearances as assigned.

• Five or more years of reporting experience.
• Strong interviewing and writing skills.
• Experience in audio and digital storytelling.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience cultivating a varied group of sources.
• The ability to work well under pressure and juggle multiple assignments.
• Solid news judgment and a deep commitment to accuracy and ethics.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Fluency in Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas.
• Knowledge of Texas issues, history, cultures, geography and politics.
• Experience using data and public records.
• Production skills, including the ability to use Adobe Audition and mix audio stories for broadcast.
• Experience explaining topics for social audiences using short‑form video.

$70,000 plus depending on qualifications.

• Typical office environment. Occasional travel for field reporting trips and interviews.

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest
• Three to five work samples

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.