Education Reporter

About WHYY:

WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.

Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.

About the Role:

WHYY News is seeking an Education Reporter to focus on Pennsylvania education in the city of Philadelphia and the collar counties. The reporter will produce digital written stories and audio reporting.

The successful candidate will explore public, private, and charter school systems, and will also delve into broader educational opportunities available to students across the city. The right candidate will be a self-starter and can meet deadlines and work collaboratively with editors and other reporters. This reporter follows the hybrid work policy at WHYY. This position is a grant funded position for three years.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, report and write stories that uphold journalistic excellence across all publishing platforms. 

• File two to three news stories per week, with each story produced for both the website and audio/radio. Capable of learning audio production if not already knowledgeable.

• Pitch impactful story ideas at news and planning meetings.

• Identify compelling, relevant stories that resonate across the region, particularly on a statewide level in Pennsylvania.

• Develop, report and write breaking news, features and interviews.

• Cultivate contacts with sources and newsmakers.

• Work collaboratively with other reporters and news department staff, sharing information and story ideas.

• Produce general assignment reporting as needed.

• Prepare and write stories for publishing on the website.

• Take still photos and videos, if assigned, for digital use as applicable.

• Advanced knowledge of the Associated Press Style.

• Be available to work nights and/or weekends as needed to cover the beat and/or per the news cycle, if breaking or major news happens. Available to fill in on general assignments per department scheduling needs. 

• Meet short and long-term deadlines as assigned.

• Use social media to cultivate contacts and promote work.

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

This is a grant funded position until 6/30/29.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or equivalent experience is required.

Experience:  At least two years of journalism experience writing for websites and working on broadcast platforms. 

Software/ Technical Skills: This position requires the candidate to be computer literate;  have knowledge of writing, broadcasting, photography, reporting, voice work and production. A familiarity with recording equipment is a plus.

*This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.