The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press is seeking a talented journalist with a proven track record of breaking news, trend spotting and writing compelling features as a music journalist. Reporting to the global entertainment editor, you’ll conduct lively, newsy interviews for text and video. You will use your deep knowledge of music and your contacts in the industry and streaming services to tell sharp, compelling stories for national and international audiences. The music journalist will be based in New York or Los Angeles.

Responsibilities: In this role, you will be responsible for helping shape coverage of music and how it intersects with the daily lives of audiences, whether they’re experiencing songs at home, on their phones or through their favorite television shows, movies or special events. This role is responsible for numerous deadline stories, including obituaries, and awards shows like the Grammys.

We are looking for a candidate who will:

• be passionate about music across genres.
• collaborate with editors and other AP journalists to produce robust and authoritative music coverage, including planning for major releases, festivals, awards shows and events.
• demonstrate a history of producing compelling, engaging journalism in any format. Candidates must be able to write quickly and accurately on deadline, while also being comfortable with video storytelling.
• have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.
• have strong news judgment and a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms.
• pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

Qualifications: You must have demonstrated excellence as a journalist, with a record of delivering exclusive and distinctive spot news and enterprise stories on a beat. You must be able to explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways, and do so swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. Applicants should have at least three to five years of full-time experience at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet, or an AP bureau or regional desk. We are willing to consider early career journalists who demonstrate high potential, as well as reporters who have deep and proven experience covering this beat.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role and submit story clips that will help us assess your writing.

Other qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. will be mandatory.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English.
• Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,714 - $120,000 contingent on experience and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION IS FEBRUARY 27, 2023 AT 11:59 PM EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.