Under direction of the news director, this role collaborates in story idea generation and production of audio, digital and video content for WAER Syracuse Public Media. They also serve as liaison and mentor to students at the Newhouse School who are collaborating with WAER-FM. The Senior reporter / professional in residence expands expands the reach/coverage abilities of the WAER newsroom and plays a role in student mentoring, recruitment, training, and professional development. This critical journalist monitors news trends and stays on top of regional topics that contribute to listenership and statewide partners; builds and maintains a community around a beat locally, statewide and nationally; connects with private and government organizations, individuals and experts within Central New York (CNY), and statewide decision makers who impact our region; covers breaking news in CNY and beyond (outside the scope of the beat and standard 9-5 business hours as needed); and actively participates in WAER fundraising campaigns/community events. This individual contributes daily story ideas, experiments with innovative storytelling techniques, and develops distinctive audio/digital stories focused on the WAER listening area, with statewide and national context/impact.