News Director

Essential Functions

• Set the daily editorial agenda for WFDD's newsroom and determine coverage priorities based on timeliness and relevance.
• Lead editorial meetings to review developments, assign stories, and ensure timely coverage of important local and regional news.
• Ensure WFDD consistently produces original reporting that advances stories and reflects what is happening in the community.
• Direct newsroom response to breaking news and major developments.
• Maintain high editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, clarity, and relevance.
• Shape daily coverage for the morning drive, WFDD's most widely heard daypart.
• Cook up daily newscasts, live updates, and reporter appearances.
• Ensure the newsroom is prepared to respond quickly when news breaks during the morning broadcast.
• Assign stories, deadlines, and guide reporters through the reporting process.
• Edit scripts and audio for broadcast and digital publication.
• Coach reporters on sourcing, interviewing, writing, and story structure.
• Identify opportunities for accountability and investigative reporting.
• Ensure reporting is prepared for both broadcast and digital publication, including timely online updates and multimedia storytelling when appropriate.
• Supervise and mentor reporters and editorial staff.
• Manage schedules and staffing to ensure coverage of daily news and breaking events.
• Track reporting progress and ensure deadlines are met.
• Provide regular feedback and coaching to strengthen newsroom performance.
• Collaborate with regional public media organizations and journalism partners.
• Communicate with NPR and other national partners about story opportunities and contributions.
• Participate in statewide collaborative reporting efforts.
• Use audience insights, digital analytics, and listener feedback to inform editorial decisions.
• Ensure coverage reflects the interests and needs of the communities WFDD serves.
• Guide the newsroom in using digital publishing tools and audience insights to expand the reach and impact of local journalism.
• Serve as a fill-in host for local newscasts or other news programming as needed.
• Aid in major reporting projects or breaking news coverage when required.
• Assist with station fundraising activities, including on-air fundraising as needed.
• Represent WFDD at community events, journalism collaborations, or professional gatherings.
• Operate newsroom, recording, and broadcast systems as needed.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• At least five years of professional experience in a newsroom environment, including editorial leadership, reporting, or story editing.
• Demonstrated news judgment and ability to set coverage priorities in a fast-moving news environment.
• Experience assigning, editing, and developing stories for broadcast, digital, or multimedia platforms.
• Strong writing and script-editing skills.
• Ability to guide reporters and shape daily news coverage.
• Demonstrated experience responding to breaking and developing news, including emergency situations such as severe weather and public safety incidents.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with audio editing tools such as Adobe Audition or similar software.
• Ability to work early morning hours as part of leading daily newsroom operations.
• Ability to handle personnel matters and confidential information responsibly.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience working in broadcast, public media, digital, or nonprofit newsrooms.
• Experience supervising reporters or managing newsroom staff.
• Familiarity with public radio news programming such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
• Track record of producing or editing impactful local journalism.
• Knowledge of issues affecting the communities WFDD serves.
• Experience contributing stories to national or regional news organizations.
• Experience with digital publishing systems, multimedia tools, and social media platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small newsroom environment.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions

• No environmental conditions