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Senior Host/Producer

WILL radio.tv.online/Illinois Public Media

Illinois Public Media has a rare opening for Senior Host/Producer for its signature call-in radio talk show, Focus. We’re looking for an experienced journalist and conversationalist to join our award-winning team of journalists at WILL AM-FM-TV-Online (will.illinois.edu), the public broadcasting service of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  

The Senior Host/Producer will work closely with the Focus producer to create daily programs that stand out among local and public media with topics that surprise, guests who shine and stories that connect with listeners’ lives. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious journalist to help build on Focus’ local success and develop a sustainable, regional service.

This is one of Illinois Public Media’s highest profile on-air positions and includes responsibilities on radio and television.  

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Host/Producer at Illinois Public Media are to host programs, news segments, special coverage and events and to participate in the production of broadcast programs.  In performing this job, the successful Host/Producer will:
•    Welcome diverse and multi-cultural views and ideas from people with wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences
•    Include audiences in the discussion in ways that add value, inform and/or offer insight into a unique or shared experience
•    Create a safe on-air and/or community space for guests and audience members to share surprising, compelling and sometimes uncomfortable experiences
•    Participate in program planning meetings, suggesting ideas for Focus and other programs, program guests, creative use of sound and other elements.
•    Help identify the “big idea” or shared experience underlying news stories to develop surprising local angles and conversations
•    Write program billboards and introductory copy and deliver seamless live, non-scripted material
•    Develop a significant online and social media presence
•    Participate in on-air fundraising
•    Follow local, regional and national news closely

Minimum qualifications:
•    A bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications or a related field.  
•    At least three years of journalism experience.
•    Proven ability to write for a broadcast audience.
•    Well-developed curiosity in a wide range of subjects and a broad range of general news knowledge.
•    Engaging, energetic and conversational on-air presence
•    Deep knowledge of news and excellent news judgment
•    Ability to lead a daily talk program that reflects the interests of a diverse audience
•    Ability to handle rapidly moving and breaking news stories
•    Knowledge of online journalism practices
•    Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at IPM and within the public radio system

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Familiarity with the public broadcasting system.
•    Talk show hosting experience.
•    Daily news experience.
•    Understanding and appreciation of issues particular to Illinois and the Midwest.
•    Public speaking, presentation and emcee skills.
•    On-air fundraising skill.
•    TV reporting and/or hosting experience.
•    Demonstrated ability in storytelling and news gathering
•    Experience producing in digital audio and/or video editing software

Illinois Public Media is a not-for-profit public media service of the College of Media at the University of Illinois.  Our mission is to enrich people’s lives through programs and services that educate, entertain, inspire and empower by airing the best of public television and radio programs, producing local content for TV, radio and the Web while working with community partners to address needs and concerns.

The University of Illinois is home to Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows and Pulitzer Prize winners.  The university’s library is one of the largest in the world and its Krannert Center is one of the nation’s top performance venues.  Residents of Champaign-Urbana enjoy a thriving arts scene, an active night life, Big Ten sports, museums, parks and a growing system of bicycle paths.  

SALARY and BENEFITS:  Salary range $36,000 to $40,000.  No relocation expenses provided.  This is a full-time academic professional position at the Urbana campus.  The University of Illinois offers a generous benefits package, which includes one month of paid vacation annually, health, dental and life insurance, sick leave, a pension system, and tuition benefits.  

TO APPLY: Application information available at http://will.illinois.edu/jobs. Complete an application and upload a cover letter, resume, list of three professional references, and audio or video samples of your work in journalism or talk show hosting.  Please let us know how you learned about this job opening. Full consideration will be given to applications received by October 4, 2013.  Starting date: December 1, 2013 or a mutually acceptable date.  For more information, call Dee Breeding, HR Specialist, at 217-333-7300, or email breeding@illinois.edu.

Illinois Public Media at the University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.  www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu   
 

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