Senior Director of News, WKBW

The E.W. Scripps Company • Buffalo, NY

7d • Onsite

About The Position

WKBW, The E.W. Scripps Company’s ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, is seeking an experienced Senior Director of News to lead its newsroom, support audience growth, and advance journalistic excellence. The role leads a team of journalists delivering community journalism across Buffalo and Western New York, while encouraging compelling storytelling, innovation, digital development, and a positive newsroom culture.

The Senior Director of News develops newsroom strategy and operations, manages news content across platforms, oversees newsroom personnel decisions and budget, and works with station leadership to achieve departmental and station goals. The role also monitors on-air and online products for legal and constitutional compliance, builds community relationships, adapts newsroom resources to emerging technology, and supervises and evaluates direct reports. The position is based onsite in Buffalo, New York, and requires a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of news management experience.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and make sound decisions in a rapid, fast-paced environment.
• Strong editorial judgment and knowledge of journalistic ethics and libel laws.
• Ability to develop tactics and strategies to increase audience performance in key target areas across multiple platforms.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws affecting operations.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Effectiveness in formal presentation settings inside and outside the organization.
• Proven leadership skills, including fostering open dialogue, empowering others, and addressing conflict quickly and directly.
• Demonstrated ability to track and select trending news stories.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations.
• Develop measurable audience-growth strategies and manage news content delivered across multiple platforms.
• Communicate a compelling vision consistent with company strategy.
• Analyze and respond to industry and designated market area (DMA) trends.
• Approve newsroom personnel decisions and hold ultimate responsibility for newsroom personnel.
• Develop and control the annual budget in compliance with station guidelines.
• Build and maintain relationships that foster a positive news image within the Buffalo and Western New York community.
• Monitor on-air and online products for compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as First and Fourteenth Amendment requirements.
• Work with station management to develop and achieve departmental and station goals.
• Maintain proficiency in posting content to station websites.
• Adapt current resources to emerging technology.
• Supervise direct reports, provide regular feedback, and conduct yearly performance appraisals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with certain other health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Disability and accident insurance.
• Hospital indemnity and critical illness coverage.
• Life insurance and AD&D insurance.
• Identity protection.
• Pet discount program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Career path to grow professional experiences.

What This Job Offers

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