News Director, WFDD

About the role

External Applicants: Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description. Cover Letter and Supporting Documents: Navigate to the "My Experience" application page. Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page. Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files. Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission. Current Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website. A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified. Job Description Summary The News Director leads WFDD Public Radio's local newsroom and sets the editorial agenda for daily news coverage across broadcast and digital platforms, ensuring WFDD's journalism reaches audiences wherever they encounter the news. This role ensures WFDD delivers timely, original reporting that reflects what is happening in our community right now while maintaining the depth, accuracy, and public service mission of public media journalism. Working closely with the Content Director, Editorial Director, and Hosts the News Director guides a team of journalists, shapes daily coverage priorities, and strengthens a newsroom editorial workflow that support responsive, high-quality journalism. The role includes leading editorial planning, coaching reporters, and helping the newsroom evolve workflows that allow stories to move efficiently from reporting to broadcast and digital publication. The morning drive (5am-9am) reaches WFDD's largest daily audience, and the News Director plays a key role in shaping coverage for the station's morning broadcast while maintaining a newsroom culture focused on urgency, collaboration, and strong reporting. This position offers an opportunity for an experienced editor and newsroom leader to guide a talented team of journalists and help build a responsive local journalism operation that serves listeners wherever they encounter WFDD's reporting. A cover letter is required and should describe your editorial approach and how you would help a newsroom deliver timely, daily reporting. Job Description Essential Functions: Editorial Leadership 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. Morning News Leadership Shape daily coverage for the morning drive, WFDD's most widely heard daypart. Coordinate with producer and hosts to deliver timely newscasts, live updates, and reporter appearances. Ensure the newsroom is prepared to respond quickly when news breaks during the morning broadcast. Reporting and Story Development Assign stories, and 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. Maintain a balance of timely daily reporting and enterprise journalism. 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. Newsroom Systems and Workflow Development Evaluate and refine newsroom workflows to ensure reporting moves efficiently from story idea to broadcast and digital publication. Strengthen editorial planning and coordination across reporters, producers, and hosts. Improve workflows to support faster reporting and timely response to developing stories. Expand reporting capacity through better planning and collaboration. Newsroom Management 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. Collaboration and Partnerships Coordinate coverage 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. Audience and Digital Strategy Use audience insight

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