Reporter​/Producer

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center
Jackson, Mississippi

The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center (RHCJC) is looking for a full-time Reporter/Producer to join our team. In this role, the Reporter/Producer is responsible for reporting across assigned coverage areas and producing content across multiple platforms, including video, audio, and written reports for broadcast, print, and digital platforms. The Reporter/Producer will lead assigned student teams in performing a variety of journalistic tasks.

This is an on-site position based in Jackson, Mississippi and requires regular travel to the RHCJC in Hattiesburg, as assigned or required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Gather and verify factual information for stories through interviews, observation and research.
• Captures appropriate audio, video, still photos, and other data and information types for the professional production of a variety of news products that will be delivered across platforms.
• Works closely with high school and university-level interns and student journalists to ensure professional standards are met.
• Generate creative story ideas daily based on RHCJC’s strategic plan.
• Attends and assists in the set-up and promotion of all public RHCJC activities statewide.
• Supervises individual students and/or reporting teams as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the center director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in media or related field. 1-2 years of professional media experience in related field. Strong interest in government and legislative reporting. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Valid driver’s license with good driving record. Computer literacy required. This is an on-site position based in Jackson, Mississippi and requires regular travel to the RHCJC in Hattiesburg, as assigned or required.
• Demonstrates high proficiency in news writing, including AP style, grammar and spelling.
• Ability to capture video and still images suitable for professional presentation.
• Ability to edit photos, video and other files and material in common industry software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Demonstrates knowledge of social media and other digital platforms.
• Demonstrates knowledge of journalism ethics and law, including libel standards, Open Record and Open Meeting statutes, and Mississippi and federal Freedom of Information Acts.
• Ability to understand and implement all appropriate university and board-established center policies.
• Ability to assimilate large amounts of data quickly and accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with those from a wide range of backgrounds, education levels and varying skills.
• Ability to effectively deal with the public and establish long‑standing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Self‑motivated and able to work in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Proficiency at posting content to various websites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Videography and non‑linear editing experience.
• At least five (5) years of media industry experience.
• At least 1-2 years of government and legislative reporting experience.

About the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center is dedicated to enhancing the media landscape in Southeast Mississippi by prioritizing impactful people‑centered, issue‑oriented reporting, combating mis‑ and disinformation, fostering the growth and development of student journalists, and strengthening media partnerships. Our mission is to empower local voices, support accurate and critical journalism through media literacy, provide hands‑on coaching to emerging media professionals, and collaborate with regional media organizations to build a more informed and engaged community.

Established in 2025, the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center is based at the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Media and Communication and is supported by a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation. For more information, visit

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs…