News Director

OverviewMontana State University Billings is a preferred employer in the region. We want you. The following are reasons to join our team:Work-life balanceHolidays: 10 paid holidays per year and 1 floating holidayVacation: 15 days per year (new employees up to 10 years; after 10 years the accrual rate increases)Sick leave – earned at an accrual rate of 0.0416125 for each hour in pay statusEmployee and dependent tuition waiverOpportunities for professional developmentWellness programs and an Employee Assistance ProgramMedical benefits that are robust and affordableBenefits package details available at MUS BenefitsRetirement benefits available at MUS RetirementOpportunities for career growth and a variety of career pathsCampus vibrancy: coffee shops, free attendance to MSUB concerts, athletic events, lectures, access to recreation center, library, etc.Beautiful campus environment with the MSUB Mile walking pathYellowstone Public Radio (YPR) is a region-wide public radio service licensed to Montana State University Billings, broadcasting twenty-four hours a day to a large portion of central and eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. The primary signal originates at the Joseph S. Sample Studios on the MSUB campus as KEMC-FM in Billings. KEMC-FM repeats on eleven additional transmitters and twenty-four translators within YPR's broadcast area.ResponsibilitiesUnder direction of the General Manager, the News Director is responsible for the editorial direction and day-to-day management of YPR's news team. This includes, but is not limited to, creating and implementing short and long-term strategies and goals for news production and reporting, both on-air and on YPR's digital platforms; maintaining the editorial integrity and professionalism of YPR's news reporting; overseeing the daily planning, scheduling, and editing of news stories for broadcast and digital; managing a team of reporters and freelance content providers, including story assignments, shift scheduling, and coordinating story edits; acting as the liaison between YPR and National Public Radio (NPR); creating and implementing content-sharing opportunities with other public radio stations; and acting as a backup on-air host for YPR's live-hosted newscasts.Duties and Responsibilities:Develops, creates, and implements YPR's news reporting strategies and goals. Responsible for the development, management, production, and editing of regional news programming. Directs a team of news reporters and freelance content providers. Plans news program specials and series. Supervises the coverage of statewide elections. Supervises the coverage of state legislative sessions. Schedules and implements news content for broadcast and digital platforms. Oversees and implements the news department's contributions to social media platforms.Supervises news department employees, student workers, and interns under the direction of the General Manager. Assigns stories and oversees news employee pitches. Supervises the training of news department employees and evaluates employee performance and, when necessary, recommends disciplinary actions. Supervises the purchase of audio recording equipment, audio editing software, and other equipment required for news reporting.Maintains the editorial integrity and professionalism of YPR's newsroom. Responsible for the factual reporting of the news. Directs news department employees on editorial best practices. Maintains an updated resource on publishing guidelines. Responsible for communication with YPR listeners regarding YPR's news reporting. Supervises any retractions, corrections, or other modifications to broadcast or published content when necessary.Daily, oversees the meetings and correspondence necessary to plan and implement the day's news reporting. Supervises reporters on sources, story direction, fact-checking, and either edits or provides an editor for each story. Oversees the transition from broadcast story to published story on YPR's digital platforms. Coordinates YPR's Twitter feed. In coordination with Montana Public Radio's News Director, oversees content sharing between the two stations.Represents YPR in communication and collaboration with NPR. Directs news employees on pitching stories to NPR. Researches and implements NPR best practices for use in the YPR newsroom. Oversees and implements collaborative opportunities with other news gathering organizations to partner on news content. Seeks out opportunities to submit YPR news programming for local, state, and national awards.Directs and supervises the on-air news hosts. Provides voice coaching and other feedback on a regular basis to ensure professional delivery of YPR newscasts. Acts as a substitute host in the event of vacation, sick leave, or other absence.Other duties as assigned: participates in the semi-annual on-air fundraising weeks; represents YPR at station functions and other public appearances; represents YPR to various community groups when needed.This position is considered essential and high priority. The News Director is on-call and is required to work irregular hours as circumstances dictate.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Journalism or a related fieldAt least five (5) years of professional broadcast experience, preferably in public mediaSupervisory/leadership experience or demonstrated leadership skillsAbility to work within a budget framework and contribute to budgeting discussionsStrong, clear communication skills including writing and editing skillsOrganizational skillsEffective interpersonal and relationship building skillsDecision-making and problem-solving skills, including ability to make decisions quickly under pressureThe ability to develop content for broadcastThe ability to develop content and post to web and social mediaReporting skills – including interviews, on-air, and breaking newsThis position requires a valid driver's licensePreferred QualificationsExperience supervising staff within a media fieldExperience working in public radio/mediaExperience with live radio operationThis position is not eligible for sponsorship.Salary range of $70,000.00 to $74,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualificationsMandatory statementsThis role includes mandatory reporter duties for all employees and compliance with campus safety policies and equal opportunity employment.J-18808-Ljbffr