News & Audience Director

About the role

The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a full-time news & audience director to lead their award-winning newsroom. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading impactful journalism and audience growth.

Responsibilities

• Manages the breaking news desk and strategy for major news events.
• Guides the news organization in covering topics and issues important to key Free Press audiences.
• Works with senior leaders and digital optimization team members to adjust content direction to align with audience trends.
• Oversees content strategy, using data and audience analysts to focus on target audiences.
• Directs the content creation team and collaborates with the digital production team for timely content delivery.
• Maintains real-time metrics to understand audience needs.
• Provides excellent customer service and represents the newspaper to community leaders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• More than five years of frontline editing experience.
• Proven proficiency in analytics for content strategy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of social media and SEO.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong line-editing and problem-solving skills.
• Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage a team of reporters and editors.
• Experience in shaping and implementing news visions.
• Understanding of audience acquisition strategies.
• Experience in digital marketing solutions.

Skills

• Advanced digital literacy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience in managing content strategy.
• Proficiency in analytics and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure.
• Knowledge of social media and SEO.
• Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit a single document in PDF format that includes:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter outlining how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work.