BLCK Press is hiring: News Director in Saint Paul

Overview

The News Director is the editorial leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of news content production within the organization. This role involves setting editorial direction, managing the daily operations of the newsroom, and ensuring the production of high-quality, accurate, and engaging news across multiple platforms (digital, broadcast, and social media). The News Director plays a critical role in guiding editorial strategy, managing a team, and ensuring that the organization’s news content adheres to the highest journalistic standards. We are looking for someone who is also willing to jump in as needed with news content. This position is ideal for a seasoned journalist with strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and a passion for quality news reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Editorial Leadership & Strategy
   • Set the editorial vision and overall strategic direction for the newsroom, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s goals and audience needs.
   • Develop and implement an editorial calendar, managing coverage for both daily news and long-term projects.
   • Make final editorial decisions on story selection, angles, and approach, ensuring consistent editorial quality and integrity.
2. Team Leadership & Management
   • Lead, inspire, and manage the newsroom staff, including reporters, editors, producers, and other editorial team members.
   • Oversee the hiring and training of editorial staff, ensuring the team is well-equipped to meet the organization’s editorial and audience goals.
   • Conduct regular performance reviews and foster professional growth, mentorship, and training for team members.
   • Promote a collaborative, positive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation in news production.
3. Daily Newsroom Operations
   • Supervise day-to-day newsroom operations, including content scheduling, coverage prioritization, and adherence to deadlines.
   • Lead daily editorial meetings to discuss story assignments, breaking news, and long-term coverage strategies.
   • Oversee the efficient use of newsroom resources, including editorial staff, digital tools, and technical equipment.
4. Editorial Quality Control
   • Ensure all content meets the organization’s editorial standards for accuracy, fairness, and balance.
   • Manage editorial workflows, ensuring that stories are fact-checked, verified, and aligned with ethical journalism practices.
   • Address editorial errors or ethical issues quickly and ensure transparency and accountability in reporting.
5. Audience Engagement & Growth
   • Work closely with marketing, sales, and digital teams to understand audience preferences and adapt editorial strategies to meet those needs.
   • Track audience engagement metrics (e.g., page views, social shares) and refine editorial strategies based on data insights.
   • Ensure content is optimized for digital platforms and that news coverage engages audiences across multiple channels (e.g., social media, mobile, video).
6. Crisis Management & Breaking News
   • Manage editorial decisions during breaking news and high-pressure situations, ensuring content is delivered quickly, accurately, and responsibly.
   • Lead the newsroom in adjusting coverage plans for evolving stories, particularly during crises or major events.
7. Collaboration & Reporting to Senior Leadership
   • Communicate effectively with senior leadership to align editorial strategies with organizational goals and revenue objectives.
   • Represent the newsroom in high-level meetings, advocating for editorial priorities, resources, and team needs.
   • Collaborate with other departments (e.g., marketing, audience development) to maximize content reach and impact.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in news production, including at least 5 years in a leadership or management role in a newsroom.
• Proven experience in multiplatform journalism, with expertise in digital media, broadcast, and social media.
• Strong editorial background, with a deep understanding of news coverage, story development, and journalistic ethics.
• Experience in team management and the ability to mentor and develop staff, especially in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Experience overseeing newsroom operations, content scheduling, and cross-functional coordination.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field
- Proven experience in journalism or related field
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Proficiency in copywriting and copy editing
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
- Familiarity with social media management tools

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $41,594.00 - $45,345.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Experience:

• Journalism: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Saint Paul, MN 55102: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Paul, MN 55102

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