Description
About OPB
OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures, business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
The Opportunity
OPB is expanding its news coverage outside of the Willamette Valley, and needs an experienced editor to help our Regional Managing Editor strengthen the reporting of a team with staff in bureaus in Southwest Washington, Bend, Pendleton, La Grande and the Oregon Coast. This editor will work with a team of a half-dozen reporters (and growing!) to find, shape and tell remarkable stories outside the Portland metropolitan area for an Oregon and Washington audience. This position is a "player/coach" position with room to write stories as well as edit others.
The Regional Team Lead must have a limitless curiosity for the people and places in Oregon and Southwest Washington that are often overlooked by other news outlets, and reflect the rich tapestry of our region to create a shared connection. From wildfires to education, local politics to human interest stories; from Joseph to Florence, there are unending story possibilities that matter to the people in OPB’s rapidly expanding coverage outside the Willamette Valley.
Position Details
This Regional Team Lead reports and edits multimedia journalism from within Oregon or Southwest Washington, but outside the Portland metro area. They will work closely with the Regional Managing Editor to plan and assign coverage of enterprise reporting and breaking news across OPB’s regional bureaus, working with staff reporters and freelancers in Bend, La Grande, Pendleton, Southwest Washington and other locations, to deliver compelling multimedia journalism for digital, audio and video audiences.
This position is remote and flexibly located. The Regional Team Lead should live in Oregon or Southwest Washington, preferably outside of the Willamette Valley. They will work closely with colleagues in bureaus and in Portland, to ensure OPB’s coverage sets the standard for our region. This non-exempt position also serves as an important member of OPB’s news editing team. As part of their daily duties, this Team Lead will report and produce original stories, and will edit newscast items, radio and digital features, magazine conversation scripts and longer-term investigations and projects. This Team Lead represents OPB by participating in some local events.
Responsibilities
50% - Edit a team of reporters covering Oregon outside of the Willamette Valley.
- Help reporters build beats and sources.
- Provide strong guidance through stories from idea generation to final product.
- Edit stories for radio and digital platforms, including newscast items, short web stories, enterprise and watchdog features and magazine conversations.
- Ensure OPB is the regional leader of news in both speed and substance by monitoring other sources and leading iterative reporting efforts when news breaks.
- Ensure that reporters adhere to editorial and ethics policies, and maintain high journalistic standards to ensure that accuracy, thoroughness, and fairness are central characteristics of all content presented.
- Fosters an environment of belonging and in which diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas and work styles are valued.
- Supports the growth and development of team members offering coaching, recognition and feedback.
- Ensures team understands their work priorities, responsibilities and contributions and how they align with department goals, organizational strategies and mission.
- The Team Lead may be occasionally asked to support editing of Portland-based reporters as well.
40% - Reports, writes and produces breaking and enterprise news stories on multiple platforms, including audio and digital, focused on Oregon outside of the Willamette Valley and Southwest Washington.
- Scheduling and conducting interviews.
- Planning future news coverage related to the beat.
- Recording and editing material using digital audio tools.
- Using social media for information gathering and engagement.
- Taking photos and short-form videos.
- Using OPB content management tools.
5% - Represent OPB on and off air.
- Participate in news programming by appearing as a guest on shows like Morning Edition, All Things Considered and “Think Out Loud®”, podcasts such as “OPB Politics Now” being debriefed by an on-air host. Support efforts to include other local voices from their coverage area on OPB’s on-air programming.
- Represent OPB in public settings, including for fundraising and member service purposes.
5% - Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
- Work environment: Some work will be done in the field, at public events or scenes relevant to reporting. Some work will be done in an office, studio or other indoor location with extended periods working at a computer.
- Schedule: This position typically works Monday-Friday, though some weekend work is possible.
- Physical demands: Lifting and carrying equipment up to 20 pounds is sometimes required.
- Travel: Occasional travel within Oregon and Southwest Washington is required.
- Driving: Valid Oregon or Washington drivers license is required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position provides day-to-day workflow, editorial support and assignment coordination; facilitates communication and offers subject matter guidance. This position does not have authority to hire, fire, discipline or direct work in any way that affects employment status.
Required Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent combination of experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
- 3 years of professional journalism experience.
- 1 year supervisory experience including leading and fostering a sense of belonging, guiding team through high stress situations and supporting the growth and development of employee(s).
- Experience editing and covering hard news topics, such as government, politics, climate change, wildfire response, widespread power outages and earthquake preparation.
Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to meet daily deadlines.
- Exceptional time management, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently in remote locations and work collaboratively with editors and reporters across the state.
- Ability to represent OPB at community events.
- Ability to recognize a wide range of stories appropriate for OPB across radio and digital platforms.
- Ability to work with digital audio workstations and office computer software.
- Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB and for the role of public media in a changing environment.
Preferred Position Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Experience editing a team of reporters.
- Experience using digital audio recording and editing equipment.
- Experience editing reporters for radio or web.
- Experience as a bureau reporter or editor.
- A voracious news consumer with a passion for journalism.
- Bilingual in English and another language, preferably one spoken in communities in the Pacific Northwest (for example, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Russian).
Additional Information
- This full time, regular status, position reports to the Regional Managing Editor, is represented by SAG-AFTRA, and benefits eligible.
- The hiring range for this role will fall between $48.55-$51.00 per hour.
Application Instructions
Note: For the best candidate experience, it is recommended that you apply at OPB’s job board, located at opb.org/careers.
- Visit OPB.org/careers and click on the Regional Team Lead job posting.
- Click “Apply” at the bottom of the screen.
- You will best asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume, and answer a few required position-related questions.
- If you have any trouble with your application, please reach out to hr@opb.org.
- The deadline for your application will be Thursday, August 27th 2026 at 8:59pm Pacific Time.
OPB is an equal opportunity employer
