Opportunities

Coastal Desk Reporter, WWNO and WRKF

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana 

Live and work in southeast Louisiana, one of the most culturally dynamic places in the country. NPR member stations WWNO-FM, New Orleans Public Radio, and WRKF-FM, Baton Rouge Public Radio seeks a reporter to join the Coastal Desk in our award-winning regional newsroom. The Coastal Desk covers all things related to climate and the environment and the Coastal Desk Reporter works to define what that coverage entails, providing daily spots for newscasts, long form reporting to air in our news magazines and public affairs shows, and digital and social content.

Additional responsibilities include producing content for our award-winning podcast Sea Change. That can also include other duties to help promote the podcast such as live events.

The position is based in New Orleans and may require occasional travel. The Coastal Desk Reporter reports to the News Director.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000

Open until filled, with first review on April 18, 2025

Responsibilities:

• Participate in weekly and as scheduled editorial meetings
• Work with News Director, Managing Editor, other Coastal Desk reporter to define beat coverage and what prioritize topics within the beat.
• File a mix of short form and long form reports covering the environment
• Write digital stories for the web related to reporting on the environment
• Produce social media content that is unique and or promotional of original audio or digital content.
• Assist with the production of the Sea Change podcast producing 1-3 long form narrative podcasts and 4 interview centered casts. 
• Participate in fundraising and promotional efforts around your beat including live events and fundraising drives
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or similar field, or equivalent experience
• Two years full-time professional experience in journalism or comparable experience.
• Excellent speaking, writing and editing skills
• Experience in broadcast journalism
• Experience using social media to promote and find stories 

Preferred Skills: 

• Experience producing daily audio spots/long form stories for radio
• Previous experience covering the environment or a similar beat
• Podcast production experience
• Public radio experience

To apply, email your resume to Ryan Vasquez, ryanv@wrkf.org.

Strengthen a Community Institution: join WRKF as an Account Executive

WRKF seeks a Media Account Executive to grow revenue by connecting businesses with the trusted voice of public radio. This role focuses on achieving sales goals across WRKF’s broadcasts, podcasts, streaming and events to support WRKF’s mission to inform, engage, and enrich the Baton Rouge community.

What You’ll Do:

Drive Sales Growth:

• Meet and exceed sales targets by selling on-air and digital messaging opportunities and event partnerships.
• Develop customized marketing plans that align with clients' goals while supporting WRKF’s service to the community.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to build a strong pipeline of underwriters.

Own the Sales Process:

• Manage the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing.
• Write and coordinate the production of client messages for on-air and digital platforms.
• Ensure accurate fulfillment of sponsorships by coordinating with WRKF’s traffic team and monitoring schedules.
• Track client accounts, follow up on billing when necessary, and address issues to maintain smooth operations.

Collaborate and Represent WRKF:

• Work with the WRKF membership team on events, pledge drives, and client engagement.
• Represent WRKF at networking events and community activities to expand connections and generate leads.

What You Bring:

• Proven experience in sales, with a track record of meeting revenue goals.
• Strong communication skills to secure contracts and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM tools.
• Willingness to learn and follow FCC underwriting guidelines (required).

Preferred Qualities:

• A self-motivated approach to building and maintaining a client base.
• An appreciation for public radio and its role in the community. Your work will directly support trusted journalism and cultural programming.
• A collaborative mindset to work effectively with a team while expanding WRKF’s business partnerships.

Why Join WRKF? At WRKF, you'll have the opportunity to advance your sales career while helping local businesses connect with an engaged and loyal audience. Be part of a team that values collaboration, purpose and growth in an evolving media landscape.

Position Details:

• Reports to: WRKF Development Director
• Location: Baton Rouge, LA
• Compensation: Full-time, commission-based

How to Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to barbara@wrkf.org. The next review of applications will be on April 25, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.

Be part of something bigger. Help WRKF connect businesses with a community that values reliable news, cultural enrichment, and innovative digital platforms.

About WRKF: WRKF 89.3 FM has been a trusted voice in Baton Rouge since 1980. It provides fact-based news coverage—local, national, and international—along with engaging public affairs and cultural programming. As a nonprofit, community-supported station, WRKF is dedicated to informing, enriching, and inspiring its audience.
WRKF is an equal-opportunity employer.