Coastal Reporter-Producer

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures, business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding.

OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available , on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Bluesky, Instagram, You Tube and Facebook.

OPB is continuing its commitment to rural journalism in Oregon and seeks an experienced full-time reporter to cover the fascinating and story-rich Oregon Coast. This region is one of Oregon’s most historically, ecologically, and economically interesting in the state, and the selected candidate must come with an appetite to dive deep into the untold stories of the area and the people who call it home.

The influential zone between Astoria and Newport is often overlooked by larger media outlets, and OPB hopes to serve the communities there with dedicated, full-time coverage.

The selected candidate for this role must live in the coverage area (in Clatsop, Lincoln, or Tillamook county) or be willing to relocate there.

The Coastal Reporter-Producer covers breaking and daily news as well as longer-term feature stories about a wide spectrum of subjects for and from Coastal Oregon and its adjacent regions. The role involves reporting and researching, gathering sound, video, photos, writing for radio and digital platforms and collaborating with OPB’s social media team. The Reporter-Producer must meet daily deadlines, juggle multiple news priorities, collaborate with other reporters and staff across the organization, and sometimes appear on OPB’s social media platforms and as a guest on OPB’s radio programs.

The work produced by this Reporter-Producer must meet OPB’s ethical, legal, and aesthetic standards. The Regional Managing Editor as well as the Regional Team Lead will coordinate and guide this Reporter-Producer’s work.

80% - The reporter/producer reports, writes and produces breaking and enterprise news stories on multiple platforms, including audio, visual and digital, focused on coastal Oregon. Those other duties include scheduling and conducting interviews and planning future news coverage related to the beat, recording and editing material using digital audio tools, using social media for information gathering and engagement and taking photos.

10% - Participate in local news programming by appearing as a guest on shows like Morning Edition, “Think Out Loud®” and All Things Considered and podcasts such as “OPB Politics Now” or being debriefed by an on‑air host. Support efforts to include other local voices in OPB’s on‑air programming.

5% - Other duties as assigned, including participating in fundraising and outreach functions.

5% - Produces reports for national news programs and newscasts, as assigned and with approval of supervising editor.

Work environment:

Remote. Field work required across numerous coastal communities and occasionally to other locations in Washington and Oregon, such as Portland. Non-traditional lodging is sometimes involved. Field work possible during inclement weather.

Schedule:

This position typically works Monday through Friday though some weekend and evening work is required to cover news events.
Physical demands:
Lifting and carrying equipment up to 10 pounds is sometimes required.
Travel:
Regional and state travel required. National travel for professional development opportunities possible.
Driving:
Valid Oregon…