Director, News

Univision • Chicago, IL

23h

About The Position

TelevisaUnivision Local Media is looking for a highly motivated and experienced News Director for the station’s local multi-platform content production. The ideal candidate must love breaking news and understand how to reach audiences on different platforms best. The position provides editorial direction, leadership, motivation, support and encouragement to staff in the generation of story ideas and production of a compelling news product; sets the department’s philosophy and policies. The News Director will be a solid leader in the newsroom and be current on news trends for existing and emerging platforms. Works closely with other Univision entities to create cross-platform opportunities for a trusted and award-winning news brand.

Requirements

• BS/BA Degree in Media, Communications or Marketing or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in television news, working as a news director, assistant news director, executive producer, news producer.
• Must have experience overseeing daily and breaking news events; ability to focus on news stories, which inform, and highlight the needs of the Spanish speaking community.
• Must have experience managing operating budgets.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Nielsen rating system.
• Solid news judgment.
• Ensure flawless execution and innovative storytelling.
• Bilingual with the ability to write in English and Spanish with fluency and accuracy.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, newsroom systems INEWS, edit bays, cameras, audio board and decks.
• Proficiency in AVID editing systems, Premiere, Adobe Creative Suite Displays.
• Proficiency in managing and posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other Social Media Platforms.
• Candidate must be flexible and willing to work varied schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Proven and effective leadership skills; foster open dialogue, empowers others, addresses conflict quickly and directly.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle competing priorities.
• Audience growth oriented.
• High energy, high work ethic, self-motivated independent professional.
• Track record of continuing to learn evolving trends in the digital industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills both in English and Spanish.

Nice To Haves

• The right candidate will be willing to take innovative creative risks and understands the value of deep impact enterprise content.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passionate fearless leader’s approach willing to mentor and develop our talented group of journalists into strong storytellers.
• He/she should be able to effectively plan a news strategy for a continuous measurement world, while still being able to coordinate breaking news, weather and large event coverage.

Responsibilities

• Create & implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations.
• Must be a digital powerhouse, leveraging the web, OTT, and all social platforms to make sure that local audiences receive and share the stories generated by our newsroom.
• Communicate a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy.
• Analyze and respond to trends affecting industry and DMA.
• Review and approve all newsroom personnel decisions.
• Develop and control the annual budget to comply with station guidelines.
• Work closely with the station management team to develop and attain departmental and station goals.
• Ability to adapt current resources to emerging technology.
• Supervise and provide regular feedback and yearly performance appraisals for direct reports with ultimate responsibility for all newsroom personnel.
• Develops and plans yearly coverage priorities for all platforms, as well as "sweeps" for key television rating periods.
• Reviews and critiques newscast production values.
• Must be proficient in coaching reporters and on-air talent.
• Must have a deep understanding of Digital and Social Media platform for best practices for local journalism.
• Responsible for originating, creating and producing special series, regional news specials and investigative stories.
• Leverage market research to make strategic decisions about content, programming, staffing.
• Uphold station identity and brand focus across all platforms.
• Cultivating an environment focused on digital storytelling and innovation, thinking beyond linear content to increase digital footprint and ultimately in a growing audience and market share.

Benefits

• PTO
• tuition reimbursement
• wellness and employee support programs
• 401K
• life and other insurance plans
• comprehensive and competitive health benefits package featuring medical, dental and vision coverage options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree