Reporter
Marfa Public Radio
Marfa
,
Tex
Application Deadline: Friday, Jul 25, 2025
Description
Marfa Public Radio is seeking an experienced journalist to cover critical, timely local news across a vast swath of rural West Texas, from the remote Big Bend region to the bustling Permian Basin oilfield.
The Reporter will have the opportunity to cover a wide range of important local issues, including rural healthcare, small-town governance, environmental issues, industries like tourism, ranching and the oil sector, public lands, border policies and the arts.
WHO WE ARE
Marfa Public Radio is an award-winning NPR affiliate station based in Marfa, TX. Our coverage range extends across some 30,000 square miles of West Texas, from the mountainous Big Bend region to the Permian Basin oilfield. The station is a member of The Texas Newsroom, a news collaboration of public radio stations across the state and NPR. Our mission is to be a public service and a lifeline for our community, to unify and promote cultural enrichment through presentation and focus on the importance of art, education, science, quality of life and the local economy. We encourage people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply.
POSITION SUMMARY
This is a full-time, general assignment position focused on critical, timely news happening across the multiple communities we serve in the Big Bend and Permian Basin regions. The Reporter will write and produce daily and feature-length stories for digital and broadcast platforms, as well as contribute to the newsroom’s social media efforts across platforms.
This region of West Texas is a unique, fascinating corner of the Lone Star State. The Big Bend area, one of the most sparsely populated parts of the U.S., is home to sprawling, historic cattle ranches, high desert mountains and some of the state’s largest national and state parks, making it a popular tourist destination. Marfa, where the station is headquartered, is an internationally renowned arts destination home to a number of high-profile institutions and galleries. The Permian Basin, which includes the cities of Midland and Odessa, is home to the nation’s largest and most productive oilfield, a crucial component of the national economy and a focal point for energy and environmental issues that impact the entire country.
The ideal candidate for this position is an early-to-mid-career journalist with a passion for local journalism and a keen understanding of the types of news stories that matter to everyday people, particularly in rural areas like ours with a relatively small media ecosystem.
Experience in broadcast journalism – particularly public radio-style journalism – is strongly preferred.
This position is based in Marfa, TX and reports to the News Director.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Pitch story ideas and take on story assignments from News Director
- Report, write and produce newscast, feature and digital stories – from the station and from the field
- Participate in reporter “2ways” with local Morning Edition and/or All Things Considered hosts
- Periodically participate in collaborative reporting projects with The Texas Newsroom
- Adhere to newsroom policies and guidelines on reporting deadlines, quotas and journalism ethics
- Contribute to newsroom social media content
- Cover breaking news events as warranted
- Periodically edit newscast, feature and digital stories filed by other members of the newsroom, including the News Director
- Assist with various newsroom production needs, including editing and gathering of digital stories sourced from The Texas Newsroom, NPR and other partners
- Attend donor events, public events and regularly participate in on-air fundraising
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Marfa Public Radio is open to applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. If you do not meet all the qualifications outlined below but feel your particular skills and experience would translate well to this position, we would like to hear from you. Please apply and tell us more about yourself.
- 2-3 years experience in news reporting – broadcast/audio reporting experience, particularly in a public radio setting, strongly preferred
- Demonstrated skills in news reporting, writing and editing
- Demonstrated skills in interviewing, audio editing software (Adobe Audition preferred), and writing for broadcast
- Familiarity with audio field reporting equipment and techniques
- Familiarity with a variety of social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram most critically)
- Strong sense of journalism ethics and the value of community service-oriented media/journalism
- Willingness to work flexible hours as news warrants
- Multimedia skills – particularly in photography in video – strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of Spanish or fully bilingual preferred
- Experience with Texas/federal open records laws, obtaining public records and data journalism techniques is a plus
Salary range: $55,000 – $60,000
As a team member at Marfa Public Radio, you’ll enjoy:
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
- Life insurance
- Generous vacation and paid time off
- Flexible work schedule
To apply, email a cover letter, resume and links to 3-5 examples of news reporting to: work@marfapublicradio.org.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, July 25, 2025.
Marfa Public Radio is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect in a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.