KPBS Public Matters Reporter , II or III

Salary

The salary range for this position is depending upon qualifications and is non‑negotiable.

• Reporter I $33.02 - $36.31 per hour ($68,681.60 - $75,524.80 per year)
• Reporter II $34.94 - $40.55 per hour ($72,675.20 - $84,344 per year)
• Reporter III $36.40 - $42.01 per hour ($75,712 - $87,380.80 per year)

This position is scheduled to close on 3/17/26 at 4:00pm (PST).

This position is grant‑funded for the next two years. We anticipate continued employment thereafter, dependent on funding.

This position is part of the SAG‑AFTRA bargaining unit with KPBS.

Perks you’ll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus and in public media; access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer’s market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
• Hybrid schedule/remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
• Enjoy a ‘beautiful day in the neighborhood’ with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop‑up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On‑site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s)
• Employee assistance program
• Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

Under the supervision of the Public Matters Editor and the direction of the Managing Editor, the Public Matters Reporter is responsible for covering issues related to democracy, governance, civic engagement, and elections. This position reports on the essential elements of a functioning democracy, examining both its impact on communities and the threats it faces, with a strong emphasis on people‑centered storytelling.

The Public Matters Reporter produces journalism that explores why people participate in civic life, as well as barriers that prevent or discourage engagement. Coverage areas may include, but are not limited to, censorship, political extremism, polarization and its effects on civic participation, race and racism, socioeconomic inequities, threats to elected officials and election workers, the role of journalism in a democracy, voter access and registration laws, freedom of speech, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

Stories are distributed across digital, mobile, social media, and broadcast platforms. Content may be produced in a variety of formats, including daily news spots, enterprise reporting, in-depth features, video packages, and multimedia projects, as assigned.

The successful candidate is driven to inform and engage audiences through compelling, accurate, and impactful journalism. The reporter collaborates closely with the Public Matters team, other newsroom staff, and KPBS departments, and may partner with journalists from external news organizations.

The Public Matters Reporter may also be assigned to support other newsroom functions, including anchoring, hosting, reporting, or producing. This role may include appearing as a guest or host on KPBS digital and broadcast programs. The reporter produces local content for distribution across all KPBS platforms and may be expected to participate in on‑air fundraising activities and represent KPBS at community events.

The…