What is it like to work at OPB?

OPB employees are smart, dedicated, innovative and hard-working, and often have a playful side. We win awards, we blaze new trails in the media landscape and we also eat pie on Pi Day. As a public service media organization with over 30% of our staff engaged in creating content, there’s always something interesting to discuss regardless of what team you work with. And because we are a 7-days a week, 24-hours a day news organization, there are staff at our Portland offices at all hours. We are an organization with a 100-year history that continues to evolve to serve our community, and our staff celebrate this.

How do I apply for an open position?

To apply, follow the instructions within each job posting. They typically include the following:

  • To apply, click on the Apply button for the job posting you’re interested in.
  • You’ll be prompted to create an account. You can come back later to complete your application, however, once you click submit in the final step of the application process, you cannot make changes to your application.
  • In the Upload Resume section, please upload your resume.
  • In the Upload Additional Documents section, please upload a cover letter.
  • Most applications include additional questions. You’re welcome to write your answers elsewhere and copy and paste into the provided fields.

I tried to apply for a position near the deadline and the system wasn’t working.

Sometimes, our system has unexpected maintenance windows outside of our control. If this happens do the following:

  • Take a screenshot of the notice.
  • Send your cover letter, resume and screenshot to hr@opb.org PRIOR to the posted deadline.
  • If we need any additional materials, we’ll email you.
  • If your email is timestamped after the deadline, your application won’t be considered.

Can I send a resume for OPB to keep on file for the future?

OPB only accepts applications for posted open positions. All open positions are posted at opb.org/careers. We do update this page often, so check back if you don’t see your dream job listed today.

What happens after I apply?

We have an artisanal hiring process – focused, deliberate and very intentional. As such, all applications are thoroughly read and reviewed. When screening applications, we focus on each individual’s qualifications, review resumes against position requirements, and determine which candidates to interview. Since real humans review each application (not an automated computer system), this process can take time. We appreciate your patience, and please know that you will receive a response.

Should I call or stop by to check on the status of my application?

Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to speak with every candidate. Please know that we respond via email to every applicant and notify them of their status as soon as all applications have been reviewed.

How long will it take?

For some specialized positions we have a small pool of applicants and the process can move forward quickly. Other positions have large pools of applicants, and because we feel that it is important to consider everyone’s application materials, it may take longer.

What should I expect if I am selected for an interview?

Interviews, like the hiring process for each vacant position, are customized. Often there are two interviews, and sometimes staff from across the organization are included. This allows you to meet some of the people you’d work with and enables a deeper understanding of how the role you’re interested in fits in to the overall organization. For individuals who are not local, interviews, especially initial ones, are often done via video conference. Depending on the position, we may ask applicants to answer a few more questions, do a presentation or some other type of relevant exercise before a second interview. This allows for a more in-depth conversation. If the position for which you have applied involves access to sensitive data, any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

What benefits are provided to OPB employees?

OPB employees are paid monthly. OPB offers the following competitive benefits:

  • Medical insurance (including alternative care)*
  • Paid holiday, vacation, personal & sick time off*
  • Retirement Savings Account (TIAA) with OPB provided contributions
  • Voluntary Dental Insurance
  • Voluntary Life and Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account – pretax savings for medical & dependent care expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pre-tax transit (Tri-Met) passes

*Time off benefits and OPB contributions toward medical premiums are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Where is OPB located and how do employees get to OPB?

OPB’s main offices are located at the very south end of Portland, on the Willamette River which allows our staff the opportunity to drive, bike, walk, bus and even kayak to work. Parking is free, though limited, and we have a bus stop at our corner. Willamette Park, which sits between our offices and the river, includes a bike trail connecting various parts of the city. There is plenty of bike parking, and showers are available as well. OPB has offices throughout Oregon and SW Washington in Bend, Corvallis, Vancouver, and we have a journalist who works at Jefferson Public Radio’s offices in Ashland.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

OPB is committed to creating learning opportunities for emerging journalists, content creators and nonprofit professionals. We offer several paid and unpaid opportunities to help give interns and volunteers a chance to develop their skills and portfolios. Our award-winning team provides editing, mentorship and training. You can learn more about our internships here: opb.org/internships.