News Director - Whsv

Gray Media•Harrisonburg, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you a visionary leader who knows "local news" means so much more than just the 6 PM broadcast? We’re looking for a News Director at WHSV who is equal parts strategist, coach, and champion for great journalism. This isn't a "sit in the office" kind of role. It's for a leader who loves developing people, setting a clear vision, and pushing storytelling forward across broadcast, digital, livestreaming, and whatever comes next. Can you inspire a team to own the big story on every screen while keeping a deep, authentic connection to the Shenandoah Valley?

Requirements

Proven leadership: You have at least two years of experience as a News Director (or a high-level newsroom leader) with a track record of winning.
Digital fluency: You don't just "understand" digital; you live it. You know how to leverage social, web, and streaming to grow an audience.
Killer news judgment: You can spot a great story from a mile away and know exactly how to showcase it for maximum impact.
A teacher’s heart: You take pride in seeing your reporters, producers, and anchors grow and succeed under your guidance.
Cool under fire: When breaking news hits, you’re the calmest person in the room, making smart logistical and journalistic calls on the fly.
Community passion: You understand the unique role a local station plays and are eager to dive deep into the Harrisonburg community.
Communication skills: You can articulate a vision clearly and provide feedback that is both direct and encouraging.

Responsibilities

Set the vision: Establish a clear, forward-looking content strategy that wins across broadcast, digital, and livestream platforms, ensuring WHSV remains the most trusted source in the region.
Coach and champion: Lead and develop newsroom leaders and staff through hands-on coaching and mentorship, building a high-performing team that’s ready for the next level.
Own the digital-first mindset: Drive innovative approaches to storytelling, making sure our content hits the right audience on the right platform at the right time (because news doesn't wait for a timeslot).
Maintain editorial excellence: Set and uphold newsroom standards focused on accuracy, relevance, and community impact, ensuring every story meets the high bar our viewers expect.
Lead day-to-day operations: Oversee all aspects of newsgathering and distribution, making swift, authoritative editorial decisions when the pressure is on.
Collaborate for success: Work closely with the General Manager, station and company leadership to align editorial goals with the overall business strategy.
Foster a winning culture: Build a positive, accountable newsroom environment where people feel supported, inspired, and empowered to do their best work.
Connect with our community: Build authentic relationships with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure our coverage reflects the real issues that matter most to the Valley.
Own the newsroom workflow: Dynamically schedule the right storytellers in the right places at the right times to dominate our multi-platform coverage.
Budget the department: Partner with the General Manager to build a strategic, forward-thinking news budget, and aggressively manage year-round department expenses to ensure we are investing where it matters most for our team and our audience.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical(Rx), Dental and Vision Coverage
Health Savings Account with Company contributions
Flexible Spending Account
Employer-paid life and disability benefits
Paid parental leave benefits
Adoption and Surrogacy Benefits
401(k) Plan, including matching and profit-sharing contributions
Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary benefits, including Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and supplemental life insurance coverage
Paid Time Off, including Relocation PTO