Statehouse Bureau Chief

Position OverviewKansas Public Radio (KPR), at the University of Kansas, is seeking a Statehouse Bureau Chief. This position works primarily at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka. The position duties include managing all aspects of KPR's capital news bureau, which provides broadcast and digital news reports to a number of radio stations in Kansas and Missouri. This position is primarily responsible for reporting on all aspects of state government. This includes but is not limited to covering the Kansas legislative session, the governor, attorney general, supreme court, the state's congressional delegation and statewide elections.

The KPR Statehouse Bureau Chief researches, writes, reports and produces spot news, digital stories and long-form audio features for KPR and its reporting partners. The KPR Statehouse Bureau Chief is an integral part of a Regional Journalism Collaboration (RJC) involving the Kansas News Service (KNS), based at KCUR Radio in Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas Statehouse Bureau Chief falls under the immediate supervision of the KPR News Director but receives supervision and direction from both the KPR News Director and KNS editors.Job Description 55%

Manages all aspects of the Kansas Statehouse News Bureau in Topeka. This includes researching, writing and presenting daily spot news and feature stories about state government, the Kansas Legislature, state Supreme Court and other agencies. This position also serves as KPR’s lead election reporter and helps plan statewide election coverage. Provides daily news reports to KPR and its affiliate stations Monday through Friday. These reports may include interviews, features and newscast material (self-contained spots as well as anchor scripts with soundbites). Must be able to meet daily deadlines while maintaining high standards of digital production and story accuracy.

20%

Covers other stories of statewide concern, even non-political ones, as requested by supervisor. Maintains good relationship with KPR and KNS affiliate stations.

10%

Fills-in, as needed, as substitute host for Morning Edition and / or All Things Considered.

5%

Helps News Director develop long-range plans and set goals and objectives.

5%

Participates in on-air station fundraising.

5%

Other duties as assigned by news director.Position Requirements

• Consistent availability to cover Kansas legislative session (typically January through May).
• Availability to work occasional weekends and holidays.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application includes :

Application review begins Monday, October 13th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. Contact Information to ApplicantsJ. Schafer

jschafer@ku.edu

785-864-2246Advertised Salary Range$50,000 - $53,000Application Review BeginsMonday October 13, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday November 10, 2025 Apply to Job