Logo
Colorado Broadcasters

News/Program Director

Colorado Broadcasters, Carbondale, Colorado, United States, 81623


Organization Description:

KDNK Carbondale Community Access Radio began broadcasting on April 15, 1983. KDNK’s mission is to provide public access radio that connects community members to one another and the world. KDNK has grown its reach in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond, with nine FM signals and an online platform. KDNK has a reputation for funky vitality with over 100 volunteer DJs and public affairs show hosts. KDNK is a trusted source for music discovery, local news coverage, emergency information, weather, road conditions, ski and river reports, lost and found pet reports, and a daily community calendar. KDNK hosts and produces live concerts and special events each year to benefit the community. Plus, KDNK has longtime relationships with nonprofit partners like the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, the Carbondale Creative District and The Sopris Sun.Position Overview:

KDNK seeks an experienced journalist open to innovation who will lead editorial decision making and digital content strategy for the news department. Are you ready to help amplify local voices and evoke a strong sense of place? As News Director, you will produce daily broadcast news on deadline and lead investigative coverage to make a meaningful impact. The News Director runs the news department and is responsible for identifying issues in the local community, monitoring other media sources, assigning stories to reporters/freelancers and broadcasting the daily news. This position has a high level of interaction with community members and requires the ability to engage with different personality types. KDNK’s community includes the Roaring Fork Valley from Rifle to Aspen, the Crystal River Valley communities of Redstone and Marble, and Leadville. KDNK’s News Director reports to the Station Director, sharing station operation duties with the Music Director, Development Director, and Underwriting Director. Adult and youth volunteers, freelance reporters, and paid hosts all count on your leadership. Strong teamwork is essential as all staff members share customer service and event staffing duties. The News Director also hosts three nights of NPR’s All Things Considered on weekdays and the occasional Morning Edition.Primary Duties and Responsibilities:News leadership:

Learn more about the general tasks related to this opportunity below, as well as required skills.Set the editorial priorities for the news department for breaking and developing news, and oversee coverage plans for broadcast and digital platforms.Assign and edit work from reporters and freelancers to ensure high-quality content for both features and spot news before broadcast or digital publication.Produce regular spot news, and at least two feature stories or two-ways per month.Manage the production of daily news scripts for Morning Edition and All Things Considered hosts with a focus on the 10-minute KDNK Daily Newscast.Oversee the publication of digital news content.Manage, coach and mentor KDNK news staff, freelancers, (volunteers and interns) and provide editorial guidance and technical support as needed for public affairs hosts.Host three nights of NPR’s All Things Considered (5-6 PM weeknights) and occasionally NPR’s Morning Edition (6-8 AM weekdays).Lead up to the minute emergency news coverage on broadcast and digital platforms when needed.Coordinate election coverage including live updates on election night.Possibility of producing/hosting one public affairs show per month if desired.Maintain and track news field recording equipment.Community Engagement:Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with diverse sources throughout the community through regular contact and interviews, with the goal of elevating community voices through our news coverage.Attend station outreach events and host occasional live events.Develop and maintain strategic news partnerships and community engagement including existing partners such as The Sopris Sun, Rocky Mountain Community Radio, Mountain West News Bureau, KUNC’s Water Desk.Assist with membership drives and other fundraisers.Preferred Qualifications:At least two years of journalism experience with a commitment to ethical, accurate journalism and a passion for local news. News management or editorial experience preferred. Excellent writing skills and ability to distill complex information. Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, ethics, and transparency. Multimedia experience preferred; basic photography skills required. Broadcast radio experience preferred or an ear for what makes a compelling radio story. Strong on-air presence preferred. Google Suite, particularly experience with using Google Docs and Sheets. Ability to work with a large and diverse group of volunteers. Familiarity with Carbondale, Garfield County and the Roaring Fork Valley. Flexibility to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends. Ability to thrive in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license. Flexibility to help with station operations when needed or directed. Communicative personality through multiple channels (email, call, text, etc.). Proficiency with Adobe Audition preferred (which KDNK uses), ProTools or another similar audio editing software. Spanish fluency a plus.Required Meetings and Time/Travel:Attend weekly KDNK staff meetings. Facilitate weekly Newsroom Huddles. Weekly/Bi-monthly meeting with RMCR representative. NPR All Things Considered newscast hosting three times per week. As needed meetings with local Spanish-language news coalition. Attend the yearly RMCR conference. (Usually in October or November.)Salary/Benefits:$45,000-$50,000 salary, DOE. Full-time position. Paid time off includes escalating vacation/paid time off, and paid holidays. Eligible for health stipend and housing stipend.$300/month health stipend$500/month housing stipend.Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:As a public radio station funded and supported by the community, KDNK knows that cultivating a diverse team of employees and volunteers is essential to understanding and serving the multifaceted communities of the Roaring Fork Valley. KDNK is committed to recruiting and retaining talented, dedicated and diverse staff, governing body, Community Advisory Board through our core belief in valuing differences and by promoting an environment of inclusion. We seek diversity in cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds, personal experiences, age, gender and sexuality, ability and skills that reflect the diverse needs and interests of the communities served by KDNK.How to Apply:1. Cover letter2. Resume3. At least three professional references4. Links to at least two news stories, interviews, or podcasts you’ve worked on, along with descriptions detailing your role in the piece. Audio samples preferred, but you can include web/print news stories (this may be included as a separate document in your application materials).Please send all application materials to [emailprotected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For best consideration please submit materials by August 26, 2024.

#J-18808-Ljbffr