Senior Director of News, WKBW
About The Position
WKBW, The E.W. Scripps ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, is seeking an experienced Senior Director of News to lead its newsroom, drive audience growth, and uphold journalistic excellence. The role leads a team of journalists delivering community journalism for Buffalo and Western New York, while fostering compelling storytelling, innovation, professional development, and a positive newsroom culture. The Senior Director develops newsroom and audience-growth strategies, manages news content across multiple platforms, oversees personnel decisions and the annual budget, and works with station management to achieve departmental and station goals. The position maintains community relationships and ensures on-air and online products comply with applicable laws and constitutional requirements. It also supervises direct reports, provides regular feedback and annual performance appraisals, and holds ultimate responsibility for newsroom personnel.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of news management experience.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Strong editorial judgment and knowledge of journalistic ethics and libel laws.
- Ability to create tactics and strategies to increase audience performance in key target areas across multiple platforms.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws impacting operations.
- Advanced oral and written communication skills.
- Effectiveness in formal presentation settings, both inside and outside the organization.
- Proven leadership skills, including fostering open dialogue, empowering others, and addressing conflict quickly and directly.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to lead and make sound decisions in a rapid, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to track and select trending news stories.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, or a related field.
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 trends affecting the industry and designated market area.
- Approve newsroom personnel decisions.
- Develop and control the annual budget in compliance with station guidelines.
- Build and maintain relationships that foster a positive news image in the Buffalo and Western New York community.
- Monitor on-air and online products for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and 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 annual performance appraisals, and take ultimate responsibility for newsroom personnel.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Career path to grow professional experiences.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits.
- Retirement savings plan with company match.
- Disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness insurance, life insurance, AD&D, identity protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
