Central Michigan University is hiring: News Director in Mount Pleasant

Central Michigan University News Director

Location: Mount Pleasant, Michigan

The News Director is the leader of WCMU's newsroom, overseeing news staff and news output on radio and digital platforms. WCMU covers 48 of Michigan's 83 counties, and we report on a wide range of issues, including local and state government, education, climate and the environment, the economy and more. Primary functions of this position include:

1. News Strategy: Sets strategic priorities and goals for our news department, including topics and beats, distribution platform, and geographic coverage priorities. Develops and implements coverage plans for WCMU's daily news programs.
2. Editor: Assigns and edits reporters on a daily basis, from spots and breaking news to features and series. Ensures all WCMU news content is accurate, engaging, ethical, and produced to the highest standards of professional journalism.
3. Newsroom Leader: Possesses strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead an effective team by teaching, training, and developing the skills of newsroom journalists, including students and interns. The news director must effectively communicate, be an active listener, be committed to cultivating and advancing diversity and inclusion, develop and manage partnerships and achieve data-driven results.
4. Community Engagement: Works with station leadership on developing and executing regular, meaningful and engaging ways to hear from our listeners, viewers and readers about issues of concern. Leads live broadcasts and coverage of breaking news events, and assists with the production of community events such as town hall meetings, community forums, listening sessions, etc.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in broadcasting, journalism or related field, or 4 years equivalent combination of broadcast news experience and education.
2. Demonstrated advanced broadcast and digital copy writing, editing, and reporting skills.
3. Four years of professional experience in reporting situations, field news gathering and/or remote recording situations.
4. Ability to operate radio equipment, including knowledge of non-linear digital editing systems.
5. Advanced announcing skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships, i.e., faculty, students, visitors, partners, co-workers and/or supervisors.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.
8. Ability to perform the essential functions and requirements of the job, with or without accommodation.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Employee Group: Public Broadcasting - Salary

Pay Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Division: Government and External Relations

Department: Public Broadcasting

Position Status: Regular

Employment Status: Full Time

FTE: 1.0

Position Type: 12 month

Posting Ends:

Message to Applicants: Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering a broadly diverse and inclusive campus that respects all social identities, experiences, and perspectives. In an effort to further this initiative, we are especially interested in candidates who will advance and promote an inclusive and supportive environment for every member of our university community.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit recommendation letters and work samples.