Reporter, Trenton/Central Jersey

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the News Director, the Reporter, Trenton/Central New Jersey, serves as NJ PBS's statehouse and capital correspondent, covering the New Jersey Legislature, Governor's office, state agencies, and policy developments from Trenton. This individual provides in-depth political and policy reporting for broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms and serves as a key resource for NJ PBS's government accountability journalism. In addition, this position also covers news in Central New Jersey, including Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cover the New Jersey Legislature, Governor's office, and state agencies on a daily basis.

• Develop political and policy enterprise stories with depth and context.

• Cover news in Central New Jersey.

• Attend and report on press conferences, committee hearings, and floor sessions.

• File content for daily newscasts and digital platforms on deadline.

• Contribute to the booking of guests and interview subjects.

• Participate in editorial meetings, pitch stories and ideas for coverage, and contribute to story selection and news judgment.

• Write and produce video packages for broadcast and digital distribution.

• Maintain close working relationships with statehouse sources, press offices, and policy experts.

• Contribute to political analysis and special coverage, including elections, the state budget, and legislative sessions.

• May substitute-anchor on news programs from time to time as needed.

• Represent NJ PBS in the Statehouse press corps and at related events and community events in the Central New Jersey coverage area.

• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.
   

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in journalism, communications, broadcasting, or a related field. 

• A minimum of three years of video-based reporting experience, including field reporting, and clip and package production.

• Knowledge of state legislative and executive branch processes.

• Ability to shoot and edit video content for broadcast and digital delivery.

• Valid NJ driver’s license.

• Experience with digital and social media storytelling.

• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.
   

PREFERRED:

• Prior New Jersey Statehouse or political reporting experience

• Deep familiarity with New Jersey’s political landscape and policy environment

• Experience with data journalism or public records analysis

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY:
Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Salary Range

$80,000.00-$95,000.00 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/   

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions. 

Department

NJ PBS

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/