At WJCT, we pride ourselves on hiring the best. From TV production to engineering, finance to radio, the thread that binds our team is our passion for the quality product we provide to our viewers and listeners. WJCT seeks individuals who not only are technically skilled and knowledgeable, but also have great interpersonal ability. While we appreciate every applicant’s interest, only those under consideration will be contacted. We regret that phone calls will not be accepted.
WJCT is an equal-opportunity, equal access employer. WJCT’s employment decisions are based on applicants’ qualifications for the positions being considered. These decisions are made with no regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected status.
WJCT Statement of Diversity:
WJCT values the unique thoughts and ideas diverse voices bring to our organization and to our community, and we pride ourselves on being an employer where individuals are given the respect, acceptance and support needed to achieve their professional best.
WJCT A Drug-Free Workplace:
WJCT is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment for our employees. As such, candidates being considered for employment with WJCT will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen prior to any confirmation of offers.
Employment Opportunities with WJCT
Why this position is key
An increasing emphasis on local journalism is an important part of WJCT’s plan because:
- Journalism on public radio across the country, and to a lesser extent on public television, has seen growing audiences over recent years
- The crisis in the local news ecosystem of NE Florida, including the shrinking of both readership and newsroom resources requires an urgent response so that the region can enjoy the many benefits of having an informed citizenry with adequate information resources
- The rise in non-profit digital-first news organizations across the country suggests that local news can become a more sustainable enterprise at WJCT if the product set offered is adapted to audience preferences and modern trends in news consumption and support
Our vision for what’s ahead
Over the last 18 months, WJCT has taken the first steps toward this goal by improving its on-air output on radio and trialing new digital formats. Now we plan to build our capabilities further, and we are looking for a senior editor to help lead the next stage of editorial development for four key initiatives:
- org: With the upcoming migration to a new CMS, we are ready to transform the WJCT News web site into a more vital part of the NE Florida news ecosystem.
- ADAPT: Launched as a digital magazine devoted to coverage of adaptation to sea level rise and other effects of climate change in the region, ADAPT now has a dedicated reporter and has pivoted from an occasional online magazine to a monthly newsletter showcasing deep reporting and an events series. More at adaptflorida.org.
- The Jaxson: In 2018 WJCT formed a partnership with Modern Cities, a local blog devoted to covering Jacksonville’s urban history and development, to create The Jaxson – a digital-first outlet with radio and event components. More at thejaxsonmag.com.
- Our most ambitious project in development is a new news platform for NE Florida/the Jacksonville region, designed to offer a compelling mix of coverage with an emphasis on holding government and other civic leaders accountable through watchdog journalism. This new platform builds on, but is separate from, our high-quality news service on WJCT News 89.9.
This role will:
- Work with members of the editorial, digital and management teams to develop and articulate a compelling and sustainable vision for and to execute all WJCT’s digital-first journalism initiatives
- Oversee day-to-day editorial management of special projects, including story development, assignment, copy editing, etc.
- Help supervise digital editor to ensure daily news comports with editorial vision
- Work with WJCT team members and freelancers to incorporate the richness of digital reporting and presentation techniques: data reporting, data visualization, visual and multimedia storytelling, etc. into all of WJCT’s digital initiatives.
- Participate in reporting, writing and presentation of key stories
- Work with Director of Individual Support for Journalism, help plan and execute a strategy to manage the “funnel” – the journey from online visitor to financial supporter
- Work with colleagues to plan and implement a social media strategy for the initiatives
- Help manage events associated with all initiatives
- Work with colleagues in the news team to develop stories across audio (radio and podcasting) and written formats.
Why work for WJCT?
WJCT is a diverse, forward-thinking, community owned public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow.
What we are looking for in a candidate
- Substantial experience as an editor of high-quality journalism, including experience at a digital-first outlet
- A track record of work that has successfully found an audience
- Competence in digital publishing tools
- An ability to attract editorial talent
- Ability to work in a team environment, while also displaying individual initiative
- Proficiency in AP Style
- Experience in non-profit journalism, either in public media or outside, is preferred
How to apply
- Send an email to jobs@wjct.org stating the position applying for in the subject line
- Write a cover letter in the body of the email on why you’re the right candidate
- Attach your resume to the email
- Include 2-3 links that reflect some of your best work relative to the position
An increasing emphasis on local journalism is an important part of WJCT’s “Next 60” plan for the future developed in 2018 as:
- Journalism on public radio across the country, and to a lesser extent on public television, has seen growing audiences over recent years indicating a growing need for public media news.
- The crisis in the local news ecosystem of NE Florida, including the shrinking of both readership and newsroom resources of the Florida Times Union, the decline (and now demise) of the region’s alt-weekly Folio, requires an urgent response so that the region can enjoy the many benefits that are conferred by having an informed citizenry with adequate information resources.
- The rise in non-profit digital-first news organizations across the country provides a basis that local news can become a more sustainable enterprise at WJCT if the product set offered is adapted to audience preferences and modern trends in news consumption and support.
Our vision for what is ahead:
Our end goal is to operate a digital-first local news platform for NE Florida AND to operate a high-quality radio news service on WJCT FM 89.9.
Over the last 18 months (from late 2018 -192020), WJCT has taken the first steps toward this goal by improving its on-air output on radio and trialing new digital formats. This has included:
- Improvement and expansion of local newscasts.
- The expansion of The Florida Round-Up, a weekly hour-long news program co-produced with WLRN/Miami, to all major markets in Florida.
- Further development of First Coast Connect, the region’s pre-eminent on-air public affairs forum.
- Creation of ADAPT a digital-first cross-media project devoted to coverage of sea level rise and other climate change effects in NE Florida and beyond.
- A partnership with Modern Cities, to produce The Jaxson – a digital magazine, event series, and radio segments devoted to the coverage of development, urban planning and design, and neighborhood history in Jacksonville.
- The creation of a dedicated resource devoted to podcasting, resulting in three limited series so far – all on local topics. One of these Odd Ball has garnered large national audiences and acclaim.
Now we plan to build our capabilities further, with a focus on both business development and editorial. The Manager of Individual Support for Local Journalism will be a key member of the business, team with lead responsibility for building a large base of individual supporters for a new and ambitious digital journalism platform serving the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Working with Manager, Development Services, Manager, Donor Relations and SVP of Development, develop a marketing plan for the successful solicitation of individual support for digital local journalism products, focused on acquiring, converting, and retaining users/subscribers through owned, earned, and paid channels.
- Implement a plan using best-in-class techniques across a range of marketing channels, including TV, radio, online, email, social media, text etc.
- Identify opportunities for product optimization at all stages of the customer journey (from landing pages, through activation, conversion, retention and win back), partnering with the journalism and digital media team to prioritize and execute.
- Leverage email, push, and in-app channels to activate, engage, convert, and retain users.
- Build our paid marketing strategy and capabilities form the ground up, ensuring we have the right tools, tracking and set-up in place for anything from light media testing to a more robust campaign.
- Manage the “funnel” of users to convert into supporters.
- Manage the file of individual supporters in Luminate Online (Blackbaud).
- Work with the digital media, communications, and journalism teams to implement actions across departments and functions.
What we are looking for in a candidate:
- Relevant professional experience, with a strong background in customer acquisition and retention within a digital/subscription business.
- Experience in Lifecycle/CRM Marketing (email, push, in-app) ideally for journalism- based services.
- Experience and proficiency with marketing and sales plans.
- Ability to work in a team environment, while also displaying individual initiative.
Why work for WJCT?
WJCT is a diverse, forward-thinking, community owned public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow.
How to Apply:
- Send an email to jobs@wjct.org stating the position applying for in the subject line;
- Write a cover letter in the body of the email sharing why you’re the right candidate;
- Attach your resume to the email;
- Include 2-3 links that reflect some of your best work relative to the position.
WJCT is an Equal Access and Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
The multiplatform reporter is responsible for covering general news in the Jacksonville area. The ideal candidate is adept at quickly filing short-form spots and cuts for newscasts, as well as reporting longer radio features. Must be an effective and imaginative storyteller with a keen sense of how to shape content to suit different audiences – on air via local newscasts, live two-ways, feature stories, etc. and online via WJCT.org and on social media.
WJCT News is a national award-winning team that’s growing to cover more news and reach new audiences. Come report on a dynamic two-state region with quickly changing demographics, a complex political and social landscape, and significant environmental issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Report and write spot news for hourly radio newscasts;
- Produce/mix down stories for air;
- Shoot photos to accompany stories on WJCT.org, as needed;
- Work with Digital Content Editor to present stories online;
- Potentially fill in for “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered” hosts as needed.
Essential Skills and Experience
- 2-plus years reporting news for print, web, radio or TV;
- Impeccable research, writing and reporting skills;
- Ability to conduct and record interviews in studio, remotely, or on location;
- Rock solid journalistic ethics ;
- Media agility, or the ability to shift comfortably between writing radio scripts and online news articles;
- Experience with content management systems (ideally WordPress);
- Ability to work collaboratively with other reporters, editors, and producers;
- Willingness to try new storytelling methods and adapt to changing platforms and audience needs;
- Self-directed, can work unsupervised on deadline;
- Ability to pitch WJCT to the community on air during fundraising pledge drives.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Live on-air hosting experience a plus;
- Mastery of audio gathering, editing, mixing and vocal performance;
- Ability to write “sticky” headlines that quickly encapsulate a story
- Knowledge of Northeast Florida’s politics and major issues ;
- Knowledge of Florida politics;
- Knowledge of broadcast writing/public radio-style of reporting and presentation;
- Experience with multimedia production, including still and video photography
License or Certification
- Valid Florida driver’s license &/or the ability to obtain one within one month of employment.
If you meet the stated qualifications and want to join our team oriented workplace please send a resume and cover letter stating position of interest and salary requirements to: jobs@wjct.org, fax: 904-358-6385, or mail to: WJCT HR 100 Festival Park Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32202
- Ability to provide general facilities support (non-production) which may include set-up and break-down of tables, chairs and other event related items;
- Experience with camera operation and other television equipment such as CG, prompter;
- Experience with studio production set-up, scenery construction and maintenance;
- Experience with lighting, working as an audio assistant preferred;
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends;
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
If you meet the stated qualifications and want to join our team oriented workplace please send a resume and cover letter stating position of interest and salary requirements to: jobs@wjct.org, fax: 904-358-6385, or mail to: WJCT HR 100 Festival Park Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Degree: Human Resources; Human Resources Management
Year: Junior, Senior, Graduate Level
Hours: Flexible
Compensation: Unpaid
Contact: Please send cover letter stating area of interest, availability and resume to: Valerie Strickland-Smith, Human Resources
(904)358-6371; Fax: (904)358-6385;E -Mail:vsmith@wjct.org
Internship Activities – With supervisory guidance the intern will:
- Gain exposure to generalist HR fundamentals with a specific project assignment in one core area: Compensation, Training, Recruitment, HR Database Management etc, area TBD at time of internship based on need.
- Will be asked to assist &/or conduct a PowerPoint presentation of “lessons learned” during the internship period to Sr. Management & or the HR Committee of the Board of Trustees at the conclusion of the internship period.
- Will attend management &/or staff meetings to gain a better understanding of organizational dynamics.
Intern Qualifications:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with staff and management;
- Ability to research, organize, compile and analyze data;
- Ability to self-manage, and meet project deadlines and goals;
- Reliable, someone we can count on;
- Experienced in Microsoft Office Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Work Schedule: Will work around the student’s school schedule
About WJCT:
WJCT is the Public Broadcasting station (Public Broadcasting Service & National Public Radio) serving NE Florida and SE Georgia. Founded in 1958, WJCT is an indispensable resource for every citizen of the First Coast Community, setting the standard in the presentation of education, arts, news and information to the community we serve.
If you meet the stated qualifications and want to join our team oriented workplace please send a resume and cover letter stating position of interest and salary requirements to: jobs@wjct.org, fax: 904-358-6385, or mail to: WJCT HR 100 Festival Park Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Department: Digital Media
REMUNERATION: Unpaid
Term: Flexible
Intern Qualifications:
Degree Type: Information Science, Information Systems, Computer Sciences, Data Science
Year: Prefer College Junior, Senior, Graduate Level
Desired Skills/Abilities:
Motivated self-starter. Creative thinker. Problem solver. Quick learner. Experience with HTML5, CSS3, PHP and Javascript.
Description of Duties:
Upon the successful completion of your internship you should have a solid understanding of the following:
- Developing applications for the web, and
- Maintaining, troubleshooting, and debugging web and mobile applications.
Training Opportunities:
The intern will receive training and experience in:
- Developing with HTML5, CSS3, PHP, Javascript, WordPress and MySQL,
- Use of Lando, VS Code, Git and other development applications,
- Measuring, collecting and reporting web analytics from Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and other analytics platforms,
- Developing applications for mobile platforms, e.g. iOS and Android,
- Using APls to allow cross-platform communication between applications.
Tentative Work Schedule:
Must be able to work flexible hours and have own transportation, computer and high-speed internet access.
About WJCT:
WJCT is the Public Broadcasting station (Public Broadcasting Service & National Public Radio) serving NE Florida and SE Georgia. Founded in 1958, WJCT is an indispensable resource for every citizen of the First Coast Community, setting the standard in the presentation of education, arts, news and information to the community we serve.
If you meet the stated qualifications and want to join our team oriented workplace please send a resume and cover letter stating position of interest and salary requirements to: jobs@wjct.org, fax: 904-358-6385, or mail to: WJCT HR 100 Festival Park Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Typical requirements for consideration include:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be enrolled in or sponsored by an accredited college or university;
- Matriculated to the junior year by the start of the internship period;
- Be seeking course credit or fulfillment of additional community/college requirements;
- Pursuing a major that relates to the products and services provided by WJCT.
Please send a resume and cover letter stating area of interest and desired semester/term to:
WJCT Human Resources
Attn: Internship
100 Festival Park Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
or: jobs@wjct.org
If you meet the stated qualifications and want to join our team oriented workplace please send a resume and cover letter stating position of interest and salary requirements to: jobs@wjct.org, fax: 904-358-6385, or mail to: WJCT HR, 100 Festival Park Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.
WJCT seeks organizations that provide employment information to job seekers. If your organization would like to receive notification of vacancies at WJCT, please contact:
Valerie Strickland-Smith
WJCT Inc.
100 Festival Park Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
vsmith@wjct.org
