University Station Alliance

Linking public broadcasting stations and their university partners since 2001

Sample Job Description: News Director

This is a description of a staff Job at [LICENSEE], NOT a Job Opening Announcement. Look for Current Job Openings and then Apply Online or use [LICENSEE]’s Staff JobFinder to be notified of vacancies for jobs of interest to you.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, oversees production and on-air anchoring of radio newscasts and public affairs programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Directs the gathering and production of news and public affairs broadcasts.
  2. Ensures the accuracy of news and public affairs programs.
  3. Screens and supervises the screening of public affairs programs from outside sources.
  4. Reviews all National Public Radio communications and radio programs, and selects programs for broadcast.
  5. Supervises and trains department personnel, including students, interns, and volunteers.
  6. Develops annual operating budgets and provides fiscal direction to the unit.
  7. Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.
  8. Ensures compliance with university policies and federal, state, and local regulations governing news coverage.
  9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree with 1 to 3 years experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Knowledge of news and public affairs radio program production.
  • Ability to collect, evaluate, and adapt news and public affairs items for incorporation into on-air and/or recorded broadcasts.
  • Ability to develop and supervise volunteers.
  • Knowledge of broadcasting techniques/procedures, protocols, and standards.
  • Ability to make broadcast programming decisions within defined parameters.
  • Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
  • Ability to make evaluative judgments.
  • Ability to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusions.
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, conventions and protocols relating to the delivery of news and public affairs broadcasts.
  • Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

The [LICENSEE] provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.