News Director College of Communication & Information Radio UTK at University of Tennessee

DescriptionThe News Director leads all aspects of WUOTs newsroom operations ensuring the production of high-quality accurate and engaging journalism across broadcast digital and social media platforms. This position oversees newsroom strategy manages staff and resources and represents the station in the community and with external partners. The News Director is responsible for shaping the editorial vision maintaining journalistic standards and advancing WUOTs mission to serve the public interest.In addition the News Director works closely with student interns providing mentorship guidance and hands-on experience to help train the next generation of journalists while integrating them into the newsrooms workflow and professional standards.This position must have deep knowledge of and commitment to the tenets and ethics of journalism and the role of journalism in society; know how to create innovative content on all platforms; have an understanding and commitment to community engagement.ResponsibilitiesShape and execute the stations editorial vision strategy policies and priorities.Ensure journalistic independence ethical reporting and compliance with editorial standards.Participate in station leadership meetings and collaborate on cross-departmental strategy.Recruit mentor and develop both emerging and experienced journalism talent including student interns.Manage newsroom budgets staffing freelance contracts and resources.Provide coaching training and growth opportunities for staff and interns.Develop strategies for implementing journalism that reaches diverse audiences and integrates new viewpoints.Seek out and lead news collaboration efforts with other stations student media organizations and other non-profit organizations.Direct and lead overall efforts of the News Department and ensure that content is consistent with the stations mission goals and journalistic standards.Responsible and accountable for the overall quality and performance of the stations news content.Direct daily news coverage and lead planning for major news events including elections legislative sessions or breaking stories.Assign stories set deadlines and review content to maintain accuracy objectivity and depth.Develop Newsroom staff by coaching training and providing growth opportunities.Review and edit scripts story outlines and finished news content assuring reporters/editors include multiple perspectives while maintaining accuracy objectivity and adherence to WUOTs journalistic standards.Understand and incorporate deep knowledge of the areas community neighborhoods issues and other special characteristics to direct coverage and story selection.Collaborate with digital teams to maximize audience engagement and online reach.Lead news partnerships and collaborations with other stations student media and nonprofit organizations.Represent the station in the community and with external partners.Participate in on-air fundraising and community events as needed.Other duties as assigned.QualificationsBachelors degree in journalism communications or a related field.Minimum of five years of professional experience in news management.10 years of related experience considered in lieu of bachelors degree.Demonstrated leadership experience supervising newsroom staff and managing editorial operations.Strong knowledge of public media broadcast journalism and digital news platforms.Ability to be passionate resilient goal-focused and to think critically.Ability to build relationships effectively communicate build rapport and relate well to a diverse range of stakeholders.Excellent writing and communication skills and proven ability to collaborate with internal and external contacts and to consistently work well with a wide range of skilled and creative people.Ability to creatively solve problems and be a self-starter with sound judgment.Ability to complete multiple tasks by assigned deadlines.Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.Ability to be a strong team player committed to working with department and station colleagues to achieve collective goals.Preferred Qualifications:Passion for and experience with public broadcasting.Knowledge of Knoxville and East Tennessee - the people music cultures issues and geography.Knowledge of FCC guidelines and requirements.Experience mentoring or training students or early-career journalists is strongly preferred.Work Location:On site in Knoxville Tennessee.Compensation and Benefits:The anticipated starting salary for this position is $75000 to $85000 depending on the selected candidates experience qualifications and suitability.Application Process:The anticipated start date for this position is February 1 2026. For full consideration applicants must provide a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be required to provide 3 professional references. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.The College:CCI is part of a Land Grant Institution embedded in communities to make those communities a better place. Our alumni students faculty and staff strive to positively impact the lives of people in our state through our teaching scholarship creative work and through our engagement and service. CCI as a college is well poised to deliver upon all of those areas to become the most nationally distinctive but locally relevant College of Communication and Information in the country.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 75000 - 85000