Managing Editor, Newsgathering & Operations

Fox • Chicago, MI

6d

About The Position

The Managing Editor, Newsgathering & Operations is a senior newsroom leader responsible for logistics, resource allocation, field deployment, assignment desk management, and long-term coverage planning. Reporting directly to the VP, News Content and Programming, the role focuses on where newsroom assets are deployed and how coverage is logistically executed. The editor coordinates photojournalist assignments and coverage priorities and oversees assignment editors, field producers, and live technology to help the newsroom respond to breaking news and execute complex field assignments safely and efficiently.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Operations, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in newsroom operations, assignment desk management, or field logistics leadership in a broadcast media environment.
• Deep experience directing assignment desks, dispatching field crews, and managing live field technology under strict deadline pressure.
• Thorough operational knowledge of newsroom planning systems, electronic newsgathering (ENG), satellite/cellular transmission systems, and scheduling software.
• Strong crisis management, project management, and resource optimization capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience as an Assignment Manager, Field Operations Director, Planning Editor, or Newsroom Logistics Lead in a top-30 market.
• Deep knowledge of local government structures, public safety protocols, court systems, and regional geography.
• Experience navigating union bargaining agreements and field safety guidelines.
• Spanish-language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the assignment desk team and oversee daily dispatch of reporters, photojournalists, field producers, and live transmission assets.
• Manage live field infrastructure, including live trucks, satellite and microwave assets, bonded cellular gear such as LiveU and Dejero, and crew scheduling.
• Maintain the master newsroom planning calendar and organize logistics for upcoming trials, elections, planned public events, investigations, and enterprise follow-ups.
• Lead immediate operational deployment during major breaking news, severe weather events, and field emergencies, rapidly reallocating crews and live resources.
• Oversee staff shift scheduling, field overtime, travel logistics, gear distribution, and vendor management to maintain operational efficiency.
• Partner with engineering, IT, and operations departments to maintain newsroom field equipment, fleet vehicles, transmission paths, and assignment software systems.
• Enforce field safety protocols, risk management standards, union contract rules, and legal requirements for field crews.
• Partner with the Managing Editor, Linear & Streaming to align logistics, field feeds, and live assets with linear and digital show requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior