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WCQS Seeks News Director

The News Director leads and implements WCQS’ plan to expand and deepen coverage of the 13-county Western North Carolina region, across all station platforms. On a daily basis, the News Director manages the planning, production, and presentation of all news content on WCQS.

In close partnership with our Program Director, the News Director will have a key role in developing and launching the station’s second service: an all news and information broadcast and streaming channel which begins its pilot phase in Summer ’16.

This is a senior leadership position at Western North Carolina Public Radio, Inc. and sets the standard for high quality, audience-driven storytelling. In this role, the News Director helps define and maintain ethical, editorial, artistic and technical standards for the station’s journalism activities in a collaborative and mutually supportive working culture.

Responsibilities

Specifically, the News Director has these responsibilities:

  • Directs the gathering and production of news content on all WCQS distribution platforms.
  • Supervises the news staff. Articulates and upholds the journalistic ethics of the organization.
  • Champions the use of digital tools to enhance acquisition, production, and distribution of content.
  • Serves as WCQS’ chief reporter and news producer.
  • Serves on the WCQS management team and reports to the General Manager/CEO.
  • Participates in the development and management of annual operating budgets and manages department’s expenses.

Qualifications & Experience

We require a News Director who is an excellent reporter and producer and has a record of producing pieces for NPR news magazines, which embody character-driven narratives and textured audio. The News Director must be an excellent interviewer with a friendly and authoritative on-air presence, comfortable live in the studio or producing pieces from the field. The News Director will also have a record of innovation and achievement in digital news-gathering, production, and distribution. A successful record of managing budgets, personnel schedules, and logistics is essential.

The successful candidate will have experience managing a staff where personal development and mentoring is valued; and a proven ability to work with independents, freelancers, and other news organizations. The News Director’s understanding of community engagement will be second nature. We want someone who has a record of conducting regular listening sessions in the community.

Successful candidates will have a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in journalism in a multi-platform radio and digital news environment, along with a minimum of three years in a news management position. The News Director’s salary will be commensurate with experience.

Education

A four-year degree in journalism — or its equivalent — is required.

To apply:  Livingston Associates is assisting in the search. Please apply via their site:

http://livingstonassociates.net/openings.html#WCQS

Equal Employment Opportunity: WCQS provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified current and prospective employees without distinction or discrimination based on of age, gender (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, color, race, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, or other characteristic(s) protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. This policy is reflected in all WCQS practices and policies.