Senior Managing Editor

Job Description

About WHYY

WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.

Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.

About the Role

The Senior Managing Editor supervises reporters and editors, as well as participates in the research and reporting of news events and public affairs throughout the Delaware Valley. The Senior Managing Editor ensures that staff work is produced across multiple audio, video and digital platforms. This news leader will also provide direction for special features and reports for use in broadcast and magazine programs. In addition, the Senior Managing Editor will assist with broader newsroom editorial needs such as leading news meetings in the absence of other senior news managers. The Senior Managing Editor contributes to leading and developing newscast products and deliverables for the newsroom. The candidate is capable of leading content creation for daily news and breaking news needs. Also, this people manager possesses strong collaboration skills and facilitates synergy and content coordination across various teams.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the direction for news content, programs and approve assignments produced by assigned staff
• Maintain a list of stories for daily newsgathering and assign those stories to staff working on your team and across the newsroom as needed; communicate those assignments to radio and online managers
• Provide news editing feedback to any staff in the production of filing daily stories and/or content for news projects
• Train new employees and critique staff on the use of audio equipment.
• Fill-in as editorial point of contact for the department as needed and assume leadership on major/breaking/daily news coverage planning as applicable and as assigned
• Oversee any other use of studio facilities in coordination with the show director.
• Perform performance reviews/critiques for direct reports
• Provide feedback to the VP of News and senior managers on newsroom best practices and processes
• During periods of breaking news, this manager is available to run news coverage planning and work as the update/point person. These periods could include nights and weekends
• As a senior editor in the newsroom, research and fact-check writing for all platforms. Develop and edit stories, features and interviews for radio, television, and online, etc. Handle the full execution and assignment of news reporting as needed
• Edit general news stories as needed and other news projects, such as community and engagement team copy and materials for programs and activities
• Plan for daily news and special coverage such as elections
• Coordinate and co-produce special projects as assigned
• Practice performance management and supervise news staff; evaluate staff performance and make recommendations for personnel action if applicable; create training opportunities for staff
• Maintain high journalistic and editorial standards; have the knowledge of and be able to champion both AP Style and WHYY News Style
• Cultivate new contacts with sources and newsmakers
• Participate in and lead community and engagement events, projects and initiatives as assigned
• Work closely with other reporters and editors, sharing information and stories.
• Prepare stories for publishing on the web
• Use social media to cultivate contact and promote work
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed, per the news cycle
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or the equivalent experience is required.

Experience:  3-5 years of journalism and on-air broadcasting experience as well as editing experience. Previous experience as show producer, editor, specialty beat reporter or news manager. Experience editing and as a working journalist in a large metro area that includes urban, suburban and rural communities.

Software/ Technical Skills: This position must be computer literate; must have knowledge of writing, broadcasting, editing, voice work and production, and a familiarity with recording equipment.

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