The San Francisco Public Press, an independent nonprofit news organization producing digital, print and audio journalism, seeks a full-time host and reporter for “Civic,” its flagship weekly news and public affairs podcast and radio show airing on KSFP-LP 102.5 FM in San Francisco.
This is an opportunity to work with an organization dedicated to publishing and broadcasting reliable, relevant and professionally produced investigative reporting and community journalism for diverse and often under-served communities in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area.
We are looking for a high-energy audio journalist who believes in our public-service journalism mission and shares our desire to improve the lives of people in our region.
We offer a collaborative and supportive newsroom, opportunities for professional development and a creative environment where you will be encouraged to design and tackle bold, ambitious projects.
The San Francisco Public Press is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within our organization, and through our journalism and community engagement. We believe in supporting a culture of trust between our organization and the communities we serve. We seek to hire colleagues who are committed to these values.
Our new host and reporter will get to shape “Civic,” which launched in 2019, with support from our audio team and the newsroom at large. While the primary focus of this position is reporting for and hosting prerecorded episodes of “Civic,” the person in this role will have opportunities to take on long-term investigative or explanatory projects, either working independently or as part of a reporting team.
Please send a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience to [email protected] by July 15, 2022, with “Host and Reporter Job” as the subject line. We also ask that you send audio samples, link to a reel or point to previously produced work. If you have questions about this position, contact Publisher Lila LaHood via the same email address.
About the organization
Founded in 2009, the San Francisco Public Press is a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization that publishes and broadcasts independent public-interest journalism about under-covered topics, with a focus on under-served audiences. Our project-based team reporting approach has attracted attention as a model for local in-depth investigative and solutions reporting. Coverage areas include housing affordability, public health, transportation safety, homeless services, digital privacy, environmental equity, immigration and elections.
Our website features original, nonpartisan reporting based on public records and deep sourcing. We operate a community radio station, KSFP 102.5 FM, featuring “Civic,” our flagship weekly news and public affairs radio show and podcast, and “New & Next,” a short weekly newscast focused on civic engagement and local public policy. The station also airs shows produced by many other local audio producers and the best of PRX.
The Public Press is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News and the Local Independent Online News Publishers. We have won dozens of national and local awards from organizations including the Society of Professional Journalists, the Education Writers Association and the San Francisco Press Club.
What the job entails
We’re looking for someone who demonstrates thoughtfulness, grace under deadline pressure and flexibility, and who has experience working in highly collaborative settings on both short- and long-term projects. Our ideal new host is curious about San Francisco, perceptive and open to new ideas — a person who is welcoming to and interested in experiences different from their own, and also a sharp critical thinker who won’t shy away from holding power to account.
We are looking for someone who has experience hosting a podcast or at least conducting interviews for broadcast. If you know you have the above qualities and think you’d be a good fit but don’t have formal radio or hosting experience, feel free to record a conversation or interview with someone you know to demonstrate how you would treat a guest on your show.
We are dedicated to improving our newsroom by working with people with backgrounds that reflect the population of the Bay Area. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all identities and ages. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.
Our audio team
You’ll be collaborating most closely with “Civic” producer Liana Wilcox, who creates the mixes for “Civic.” Liana draws on years of experience at commercial radio stations and in other studio settings.
You’ll also work with Mel Baker, a 30-year veteran of public radio stations, NPR and local television news. He’s program director for the radio station we operate, KSFP-LP 102.5 FM. Mel is also a traffic reporter on the weekends, so you might hear him on other stations.
You’ll report to Lila LaHood, the publisher of the Public Press. Lila attends the weekly radio editorial meetings where the radio team pitches, workshops and plans upcoming shows.
Experience and qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have:
• Two+ years broadcast or podcast experience.
• Two+ years news reporting experience.
• Mastery of and comfort with host interviewing techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of or curiosity about San Francisco’s political and cultural landscape.
• Some on-air experience.
• Fundamentals of digital audio editing.
• Experience working on deadline.
• Familiarity with social media.
• An affinity for working as part of a team.
• Clear written and spoken communication skills.
• Passion for the work we do.
We are looking forward to meeting candidates with diverse lived experiences and training.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary for this position is $60,000 annually. The San Francisco Public Press offers its full-time employees health, dental, vision and other benefits and four weeks of paid time off (accrued plus company holidays).
We are open to accommodating people with flexible work requirements. This position requires working at least one day per week in our office in the Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco.
