Politics Reporter

WUNC Politics Reporter
North Carolina Public Radio WUNC, Chapel Hill

WUNC News is seeking a Politics Reporter to report and tell the stories of power dynamics across multiple layers of government. The politics reporter will focus on explanatory, enterprise and investigative reporting in bringing important and contextual stories to a devoted, smart audience.
The reporter will be a key member of the WUNC Politics team, a group with more than 40 years of combined political reporting experience. WUNC Politics team members frequently file stories to NPR and consistently help drive election and political coverage of North Carolina.

The reporter reports to WUNC’s Supervising Editor for Politics.

A Bachelor’s Degree and at least 3 years of journalism experience is required.
WUNC is headquartered in North Carolina’s Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill). It’s often rated among the top areas to live in the country. The ocean and mountains are each just a few hours away. North Carolina Public Radio is ranked Number 1 in the Raleigh Metro Market. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $85,000. Benefits are competitive; see www.hr.unc.edu for details.

Interested candidates must apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326185. Candidates should be prepared to attach a cover letter and current CV with links to work samples including on-air reporting and hosting (if available). The deadline to apply is October 21.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

From the UNC-Chapel Hill posting

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week: 40

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $85,000

Posting Open Date: 09/30/2026

Application Deadline: 10/21/2026

Proposed Start Date: 11/02/2026

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

WUNC Radio provides quality news, information and entertainment programming to a broad listening audience that includes North Carolina, the United States and the world. WUNC serves North Carolinians from Greensboro to the Outer Banks through a network of ten stations.

Position Summary

The Politics Reporter reports to WUNC’s Supervising Editor.

This position is responsible for reporting on State and local politics. The reporting includes quick turnaround spot news, interviews, reporter debriefings, anchor wraps, online reports and well-researched feature reports. It is based in the Legislative Building in Raleigh, NC.

As news events do not conform to a regular 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule, there are times when the Politics Reporter is called on for work during weekends and after hours.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: The Politics Reporter will be an experienced journalist with strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Leading candidates will have: 
* At least three years of experience as a journalist and/or radio producer, preferably in a public radio newsroom. 
* Exceptional written and oral communication skills. 
* Creativity and initiative. 
* Demonstrated ability to plan and meet deadlines, working with materials from a variety of sources and collaborators. 
* Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues effectively and collaboratively. 
* A familiarity with politics and North Carolina. 
* Experience with public radio or related not-for-profit fundraising.

Special Instructions

Applicants: please be sure to include links to your reporting work in your CV (or as an attachment in the “Other Document.”

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.