State Government Journalist - Wyoming Public Media

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Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming.  Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today!

Why Choose Us?

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include:

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

At the University of Wyoming, we’re committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary.

JOB TITLE:

State Government Journalist

JOB PURPOSE:

Lead the journalism activities of WPM State Government media collaboration focusing on state government operation, legislation, impacts and community associations: provide reports for broadcast and digital dissemination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and coordinate day-to-day activity of the collaboration to highlight the importance and impact of state government decisions on the citizens of Wyoming.  Work with Wyoming Public Media reporters and editors to ensure that legislative activity is tracked and reported. Monitor project content and activity for adherence to journalistic standards. Collaborate with Wyoming, regional, and national journalism professionals. 
• Develop consistent state government coverage and content that both informs and involves Wyoming citizens in the governance process. Conduct live interviews, streaming and in-person events.
• Research and provide background material for legislative activity that helps educate citizens.  Work with Digital Director to generate effective educational material for the web and other digital applications. Report both audio and digital stories. news magazines and podcasts.
• Initiate and moderate discussions in local and regional forums pertaining to state government issues.  Utilize on-site and electronic settings to bring together diverse constituencies.
• Work with project leadership to accurately capture costs and activities.
• Identify statewide media and public organizations and develop statewide partnerships.
• Monitor control room operations and collaborate to make improvements.  Assist in station management. Follow station/network strategic organizational plans.
• Provide year-long coverage and in-depth reporting on Wyoming’s legislature in Cheyenne and its impacts on Wyoming communities; Follow major bills throughout the year to track their progress and effectiveness for the constituencies they affect. Cover legislative sessions for local, state, and national audiences.  Pay attention to issues developing in the state house.
• Travel to and from meetings and other events to gather news.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

Participate in on-air fund drives as producer and announcer. 

Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability
• Analysis/Problem Identification
• Stress Tolerance
• Formal Presentation Skills
• Consistency
• Collaboration
• Technical/Professional Knowledge
• Quality Orientation

This position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyoming’s Employee Handbook. Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closure based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience:  3 years of reporting experience in a broadcast position in radio and multi-media platforms. 
• Required licensure, certification, registration, or other requirements:  Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 years of experience working with state legislatures.
• Strong digital reporting and illustrating skills.
• Strong news judgment, flexibility, and ability to manage ongoing and new projects.
• Knowledge of AP style and NPR journalism practices.
• Knowledge of and a commitment to the mission of public media journalism.
• Strong knowledge of Wyoming, its state government, issues, cultures, and people.
• Proven skill in newsroom operations, including news writing, assigning, editing, fact-checking, hosting, announcing.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse teams of reporters and producers working in radio, digital platforms, and social media.
• Knowledge of new media applications, ability to learn quickly, solve, and apply solutions.
• Ability to reside in Cheyenne or Laramie.
• Proactive and results driven with ability to collaborate and communicate within a team environment.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position).

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 3/31/2026 will receive full consideration. 

WORK LOCATION: 

This position has a home base office in Laramie and Cheyenne. When the legislature is in session, this person will be required to work in Cheyenne. This person often travels to communities around the state and will need to stay there for a few days reporting on the aftereffect of bills.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu. 

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn move about Laramie, by visiting the About Laramie website.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/