News Director – WNDU

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional News Director to lead the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of our comprehensive news organization across television, streaming, mobile, and emerging platforms. This is a high-impact leadership role for an innovative journalist who combines strong teaching and coaching abilities with strategic planning expertise. As News Director, you will inspire and develop a talented, diverse newsroom while implementing bold, innovative approaches to news coverage and content delivery. Working closely with senior station leadership, you will execute a strategic vision that serves the community with excellence while driving audience engagement and growth across all platforms.

Duties/Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic content plans with specific guidelines for digital, livestream, and traditional broadcast content
• Partner with the General Manager to establish strategic direction and ensure effective implementation across all news operations
• Plan and execute major event coverage (elections, Notre Dame Football pre-game show, breaking news situations) with innovation and excellence
• Establish long-range objectives and specify strategies and actions to achieve them
• Develop creative, research-based news strategies that leverage all available platforms and technologies
• Set clear standards and goals for newsroom content quality, operations, and performance metrics

Leadership & Team Development
• Lead and supervise all aspects of news, weather, and sports programming production
• Coach and develop talent across all experience levels, from entry-level professionals to seasoned journalists
• Manage all staffing functions, including hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, and termination decisions
• Plan and execute comprehensive training and development programs for the News Department
• Create a culture of accountability, mentorship, and continuous improvement
• Conduct regular newscasts and content critiques to correct errors, improve coverage quality, and provide constructive feedback
• Set clear performance standards and monitor achievement against departmental goals

Content Strategy & Operations
• Oversee all content gathering and presentation guidelines across broadcast and digital platforms
• Own breaking news and weather programming, directing continuous coverage for extended periods
• Ensure achievement of viewer ratings, engagement goals, and digital metrics across all platforms
• Assign projects strategically and ensure deadlines are consistently met
• Showcase and promote innovative content approaches and best practices across all platforms
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of community issues to inform coverage decisions and priorities

Digital & Social Media Strategy
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in optimizing and distributing content across websites and social media platforms
• Develop innovative approaches to content delivery and audience engagement across digital channels
• Drive audience growth and engagement metrics through strategic content distribution
• Ensure consistent brand representation and messaging across all digital platforms

Resource Management & Planning
• Prepare and manage the annual News Department budget
• Allocate resources strategically to maximize newsroom productivity and content quality
• Determine programming and equipment needs to produce quality content across platforms
• Ensure efficient deployment of staff and resources across broadcast and digital operations

Additional Duties
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all operations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills

Qualifications/Requirements:

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of newsroom leadership experience (News Director, Assistant News Director, or Executive Producer) with demonstrated success in strategic planning and implementation
• Proven track record of successful team leadership, including hiring, development, and performance management of diverse teams
• Demonstrated expertise in breaking news operations, weather programming, and major event coverage
• Strong strategic planning ability with experience establishing objectives and executing integrated, multi-platform strategies
• Advanced digital proficiency, including knowledge of website content management, social media optimization, and digital analytics
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and handle simultaneous tasks
• Proficiency with computers, newsroom technology systems, and office equipment
• Fluency in English

Desired Skills & Attributes
• Experience developing and executing innovative content approaches
• Talent for identifying developmental needs and creating meaningful growth opportunities for team members
• Strong listening skills and ability to collaborate effectively in developing solutions
• Demonstrated passion for breaking news, weather coverage, and community service journalism
• Strong understanding of audience engagement metrics and analytics
• Community-focused perspective with deep knowledge of local issues and news priorities
• Experience with multi-platform content strategy and optimization
• Detail-oriented mindset with unwavering commitment to quality, accuracy, and innovation

Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of newsroom leadership experience (News Director, Assistant News Director, or Executive Producer) with demonstrated success in strategic planning and implementation

Benefits

Gray Benefits: http://www.graytvbenefits.com

How to Apply

If you are qualified and want to work with a great group of people, go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, type the job title, station call letters, or click “apply now” upload your resume, cover letter and references.