IPR News Community Engagement Reporter (Year-Round

Position Summary

Interlochen Public Radio (IPR) is seeking a Community Engagement Reporter to develop meaningful relationships with audiences while producing compelling journalism that reflects the interests and experiences of the communities IPR serves. This role combines reporting, storytelling, and public engagement to strengthen connections between the newsroom and the public across digital, on-air, and in-person platforms.

• Report, write, and produce original news stories focused on issues that matter to local communities.

• Build and maintain relationships with community members, organizations, public officials, and other stakeholders to identify story ideas and increase audience engagement.

• Attend community meetings, events, and public forums to gather information and represent IPR within the region.

• Conduct interviews and research to produce accurate, balanced, and timely news coverage.

• Create multimedia content for radio broadcasts, the IPR website, newsletters, podcasts, and social media channels.

• Collaborate with editors and newsroom staff to develop enterprise and feature stories.

• Encourage community participation through audience outreach initiatives, listening sessions, and public engagement events.

• Ensure all reporting adheres to journalistic ethics, editorial standards, and public media best practices.

• Assist with special projects, live event coverage, and breaking news as needed.

• Stay informed on regional issues and emerging trends affecting Northern Michigan and surrounding communities.

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Broadcasting, Public Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience reporting, writing, or producing news content for broadcast, digital, or multimedia platforms.

• Strong interviewing, research, and storytelling skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.

• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel throughout the coverage area.

• Experience working in public radio or nonprofit news organizations.

• Audio recording and editing experience using industry-standard software.

• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, social media management, and multimedia storytelling.

• Knowledge of AP Style and public media editorial standards.

• Strong news judgment and commitment to factual, unbiased reporting.

• Excellent relationship-building and community engagement skills.

• Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for local journalism.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a newsroom team.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and representing a broad range of community voices.

• Based at the Interlochen campus with regular travel throughout the listening region.

• Combination of office, field reporting, community events, and remote reporting environments.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to cover events or breaking news.

Eligible employees may receive a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and the opportunity to contribute to award-winning public media while serving communities across Northern Michigan.