Assistant News Director

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.•Peoria, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant News Director assists the News Director with all aspects of news, weather and sports programming production, and serves as the News Director in his/her absence. This is a full-time position where the Assistant News Director will assist the News Director with management of all aspects of the News Department. They will serve as the Executive Producer for daily newscasts and special projects, and be responsible for evaluating stories and organizing them into a cohesive sequence within a newscast or digital content for the web. The role also involves assisting with planning, staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the News Department, and filling in as Producer when needed. The Assistant News Director will develop news coverage strategy for the station and its website, critique newscasts daily to correct errors, improve coverage, and provide mentoring feedback to news staff. They will manage the newsroom, contribute to the editorial process, and make solid decisions in breaking news situations. The position also consults on decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion, and termination of employees, assigns projects to staff, and verifies that deadlines are being met. Additionally, the Assistant News Director oversees and supports news content strategy across the station’s digital platforms, including the website, mobile app, and streaming products, ensuring strong alignment between on-air and digital content. They collaborate with digital, marketing, and other department leaders to drive cross-platform synergy, audience growth, and consistent brand messaging, and help ensure news content is optimized for digital consumption, including app alerts, breaking news updates, and special digital coverage. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
Strong news judgment, journalistic integrity and understanding of viewer needs and expectations.
Strong producing skills.
Demonstrated understanding of digital news platforms, including station websites, mobile apps, and streaming products.
Experience managing or coordinating cross‑platform content strategies that align broadcast and digital workflows.
Ability to collaborate across departments to maximize app engagement, digital audience growth, and overall newsroom efficiency.
Comfortable using digital analytics and audience data to inform coverage decisions and content strategy.
Fluency in English.
Excellent verbal, written, and analytical skills.
Minimum two years’ experience in news programming production, with some leadership experience preferred. (Depending on market size.)
Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment.
Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to effectively listen to fully understand employee needs and communicate with a team to shape a solution.

Nice To Haves

Detail oriented.

Responsibilities

Assists the News Director with management of all aspects of the News Department.
Serves as the Executive Producer for daily newscasts and special projects.
Responsible for evaluating stories; organizing them into a cohesive sequence within a newscast or digital content for the web.
Assists with planning, staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the News Department.
Fill in Producer when needed in the news department.
Develops news coverage strategy for the station and its website.
Critiques newscasts daily to correct errors, improve coverage and provide mentoring feedback to news staff.
Manage newsroom, contribute to the editorial process and make solid decisions in breaking news situations.
Consults on decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion and termination of employees.
Assigns projects to staff and verifies that deadlines are being met.
Oversees and supports news content strategy across the station’s digital platforms, including the website, mobile app, and streaming products, ensuring strong alignment between on‑air and digital content.
Collaborates with digital, marketing, and other department leaders to drive cross‑platform synergy, audience growth, and consistent brand messaging.
Helps ensure news content is optimized for digital consumption, including app alerts, breaking news updates, and special digital coverage.
Performs other duties as assigned.