Morning Edition Host & Producer - Illinois Public Media

Job Summary

The Morning Edition Host & Producer is responsible for serving as the local on-air voice for Morning Edition, integrating national NPR programming with timely local news, weather, traffic, and station content. This position hosts and operates live morning broadcasts, writes and produces newscasts under deadline pressure, conducts and edits interviews, supports digital content efforts, and engages with communities throughout the region to strengthen local coverage and audience connection.

Duties & Responsibilities

Live Broadcast & Board Operation

• Host and anchor the local broadcast of Morning Edition, delivering a confident, conversational, and authentic on-air presence.
• Operate the digital audio control board and automation systems under live broadcast conditions.
• Seamlessly integrate local newscasts, weather, traffic, and promotional breaks while strictly hitting national network time posts.
• Maintain absolute composure and improvisational agility on-air during technical failures or breaking news.

News Production & Editorial Judgment

• Monitor overnight developments, wire services, and local beats to stack, write, and edit fresh hourly newscasts.
• Rapidly synthesize complex information into clear, accurate, and objective copy during severe weather or public safety events.
• Conduct, record, and edit high-quality interviews (“two-ways”) with local newsmakers and regional reporters.
• Actively participate in daily newsroom editorial meetings, contributing story ideas and ensuring diverse perspectives are reflected in our coverage.

Digital & Station Support

• Repurpose morning audio assets, interviews, and features for digital platforms, such as vertical videos, podcasts, and newsletters.
• Serve as a primary on-air talent and pitch-producer during station membership and fundraising drives.

Community Engagement

• Travel to libraries in our region to connect with the communities they cover with a focus on rural and under covered communities outside of Champaign-Urbana.
• Host pop-up displays to talk with community members about ongoing issues, speak with people one-on-one and promote surveys.
• Conduct, record, and edit high-quality interviews (“two-ways”) with local residents or newsmakers to help build our regional presence.

Minimum Qualifications

Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) of the following types of preparation:

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public radio
• 2–5 years of demonstrated experience in a live broadcast environment
• Demonstrated experience in audio editing, digital board operation, and production software utilization

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional Journalism: Sound ethical judgment with a fierce commitment to accuracy, fairness, balance, and public media standards.
• Broadcast Writing: The ability to write tight, conversational copy under extreme deadline pressure.
• Adaptability: A flexible team player who enjoys working across reporting, technical, and digital production roles.
• Community Connection: A deep curiosity about regional issues, politics, culture, and geography.
• Utility Journalism: The ability to translate complex regional developments into clear, practical, locally grounded journalism that helps listeners understand how the news affects their daily lives.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4521 - Media Writer/Producer/Announcer I position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,000 to $55,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 27, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/ year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036933
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu