News Director/Broadcasting Services Manager/S

Job Description

WKAR Public Media – News Director/Broadcasting Services Manager/S
WKAR Public Media – Michigan State University
 
WKAR enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.
 
Job Summary
WKAR, the PBS affiliate within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and a national broadcast leader,  
seeks a visionary and dynamic News Director to lead our newsroom and inspire a culture of curiosity, integrity, and accountability. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for public radio, dedication to public service, and a talent for building and mentoring diverse teams. You will oversee a team of journalists and student interns, fostering an environment where innovative ideas and cross-functional collaboration thrive. Your work will support the creation of impactful, multimedia news content that reaches listeners across radio, TV, digital platforms, and partner media outlets on both regional and national levels. 
 
At WKAR, we are guided by the belief that public media has the power to connect people and enrich lives. As News Director, you’ll uphold these values by leading a newsroom that prioritizes the public interest, fosters diverse perspectives, and champions the role of journalism in a democratic society. 
 
The ideal candidate will Inspire, guide, and supervise our news team, including reporters, editors, hosts, and student interns. Set clear expectations and foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and journalistic excellence. 
 
Key Responsibilities include:
 

• Newsroom Operations: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the newsroom. Direct daily news coverage and lead planning for major news events including elections and breaking news.  
• Content Strategy: Oversee content creation and curation, ensuring that stories resonate with our audience and reflect WKAR’s mission. Work with senior leadership to define and maintain an editorial vision. Collaborate with other content-producing departments as needed. Develop strategies for implementing community-centered journalism that reaches diverse audiences and integrates new and historically underrepresented viewpoints. Evaluate and make decisions on the Newstalk programming schedule.  
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with the WKAR community and beyond. Cultivate relationships with local organizations, participate in community events, and represent WKAR at fundraisers and station activities. Lead news collaboration efforts with other stations, student media organizations, and other non-profit organizations.  
• Student Development: Act as a concentration lead for WKAR’s student experiential learning program, providing hands-on training and mentorship to the next generation of public media journalists. Ensure interns gain meaningful experience and graduate with the skills needed to excel in public media. 
• Standards & Quality Control: Ensure all content meets NPR standards for ethics, accuracy, and quality. Define and maintain station ethical, artistic, and technical standards for news content. Critique and edit content to enhance stories, assuring they include multiple perspectives while maintaining accuracy, objectivity, and adherence to journalistic standards.    
• Fundraising: Participate in station fundraising campaigns and special events.  
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embrace digital platforms and emerging technologies to enhance WKAR’s reach and impact. Support multimedia projects and lead the team in adapting to the evolving media landscape. 

 
This role is in person at WKAR with core hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position may require additional hours during breaking news events, elections, or other significant station activities. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills and the ability to create compelling and creative design to promote the WKAR brands.
 
In addition to a competitive salary, this position will enjoy the spectacular benefits that Michigan State University has to offer:
 

• Retirement program with 10% employer matching
• Health, prescription drug, dental, and life insurance coverage at no additional cost
• Flexible paid time off

 
East Lansing, Michigan continuously ranks as a ‘best place to live’ for its affordable living, small town charm, vibrant arts, and local activities – not to mention it is only a short drive to Michigan’s captivating Great Lakes and beautiful scenic views.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in journalism, communications, or a related field. 
• A minimum of five years of experience in news/journalism, with a proven track record of leadership and team building. 
• A minimum of three years managing a team.  

 
To apply, please refer to Posting #1006731 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment Opportunities website https://careers.msu.edu. Applications close at 11:55 pm on December 10, 2024.
 

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