News Director
WVIA
Pittston
,
PA
Application Deadline: Friday, Apr 30, 2021
Description
Title of Job: News Director
Reports to: Chief Content Officer
Job Status: Full-time Exempt
Who we are: WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For over 50 years WVIA has been committed to serving the people by offering informational, educational, and entertaining content that enriches and expands viewpoints and serves as a catalyst for positive change. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA HD2 and the Chiaroscuro Channel. WVIA’s programs can also be found streaming live and on-demand on wvia.org and the WVIA app. We are located in Pittston, PA, just minutes from Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
What is the role? The News Director is responsible for the design, build and scaling of our startup news division, in accordance with the highest standards of journalistic ethics, production, and public service to the WVIA community. The News Director will lead WVIA’s local news coverage across all platforms: Radio, TV, online and social media. The News Director will contribute to public affairs programming across platforms as we strive to create and serve a more informed public.
What are the role responsibilities?
- In collaboration with the CCO and the Radio Station Manager, fully develop and oversee the execution of a content distribution strategy to include radio and television broadcast, podcast, digital content, & social media.
- Design and implement story editing processes, quality standards and other aspects related to the allocation of story production and priority.
- Manage and coach a team of 2 staff reporters/hosts and recruit a freelance talent pool of reporters.
- Assign reporting and producing tasks including special series and projects.
- Gather, report, generate, and contribute news/public affairs content as time allows.
- Assist in developing, and ultimately overseeing the implementation of the editorial focus, process, and design.
- Work with the news team and regional NPR editors to consistently participate in nationalizing a local story.
- Create, maintain and execute coverage plans for developing and breaking news.
- Liaise and collaborate with all departments.
- Attend major donor and public events, regularly participate in on-air fundraising and grant writing/reporting as needed.
- Represent the news division as required at board meetings and other presentations.
- Works with the SVP of Community Engagement, and other relevant staff to solicit and reflect community input on news coverage priorities.
- Perform occasional host fill-in work.
- Other duties as assigned.
What are the job requirements?
- Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, English, Communications or similar field required.
- Must have at least two years of previous editorial experience.
- Must have at least four years of audio news production and reporting experience.
- Must have at least two years’ experience leading and managing a diverse team.
- Public Radio experience is preferred but is not required.
- Must have four years of hosting experience.
Who succeeds in this role?
- Strong news gathering and writing skills and in-depth knowledge of journalism ethics and practices.
- Superb verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong time management skills.
- Ability to create operational processes from scratch and scale such processes with internal and external partners.
- Deep knowledge of journalism practices and techniques, including writing skills.
- Strong leadership skills that extend to coaching and nurturing talent, including a commitment to develop the skills of a journalism staff.
- Knowledge of budget preparation, cost estimating, monitoring, and fiscal management principles and procedures.
- Deep understanding of the purpose and mission of public broadcasting.
- Ability to deftly manage staff, budget, and inventory of equipment.
- Ability to handle pressure calmly and effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
- Deep commitment to presenting information in an accurate, fair, and clear manner.
- Knowledge of FCC laws and regulations, standards, and ethics relating to the delivery of news and public affairs content.
- Must have command of Adobe Creative Suite.
- Ability and willingness to develop a deep understanding WVIA service area.
What are some of the benefits at WVIA?
- A competitive base salary
- A low-cost medical plan with a Health Reimbursement Account
- A dental plan with orthodontics
- A retirement plan with a company match
- Disability and life insurance, including buy-up options
- Generous paid time off
- Amazing colleagues who believe in the mission of WVIA in service to our members
WVIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment practices based on any protected category. Minority groups are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to those with disabilities.