Full Time, Exempt, MR12

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for the position of News Director for the WUOT FM Radio Station in the College of Communication and Information (CCI).

Application Process: Interested individuals should apply by September 8, 2024.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. For full consideration, applicants must provide a resume, cover letter, and a minimum of three references. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.

The anticipated starting salary for this position is $70,000 to $75,000 depending on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and suitability.

The Position: WUOT FM, the public radio station licensed to the University of Tennessee and located in Knoxville, seeks a news director who is excited about the prospect of reimagining what a public radio news team can accomplish and who is ready to lead collaborative projects with the College of Communication and Information's (CCI) Media Center properties producing professional-quality work across platforms.

WUOT's News Director plays the leading role in shaping the editorial vision and strategy of the newsroom. This involves making critical judgments about which stories to cover. The News Director's editorial discretion also involves safeguarding journalistic integrity and ensuring that our coverage remains uninfluenced by the agendas of funders or the licensee. Additionally, strategic planning is essential, balancing comprehensive coverage of major events like elections while remaining agile enough to respond swiftly to breaking news.

This position must have deep knowledge of and commitment to the tenets and ethics of journalism and the role of journalism in society; know how to create innovative content on all platforms; have an understanding and commitment to community engagement.

The News Director is expected to:

* Shape and execute WUOT's editorial vision, strategy, policies, and priorities.

* Develop strategies for implementing journalism that reaches diverse audiences and integrate new and historically underrepresented viewpoints.

* Collaborate with the leadership team regarding WUOT's online and digital strategy.

* Seek out and lead news collaboration efforts with other stations, student media organizations, and other non-profit organizations.

* Direct and lead overall efforts of the News Department and ensure that content is consistent with the station's mission, goals, and journalistic standards.

* Be responsible and accountable for the overall quality and performance of the station's news content.

* Direct daily news coverage and lead planning for major news events including elections, legislative sessions, or breaking stories.

* Supervise the newsroom, including editors, reporters, and producers.

* Assign projects or stories and ensure that deadlines are met.

* Develop Newsroom staff by coaching, training, and providing growth opportunities.

* Recruit and manage student interns.

* Critique and edit content to enhance stories, assuring reporters/editors include multiple perspectives while maintaining accuracy, objectivity, and adherence to WUOT's journalistic standards.

* Understand and incorporate deep knowledge of the area's community neighborhoods, issues, and other special characteristics to direct coverage and story selection.

* Participates in on-air fundraising and community events as needed.

* Other duties as assigned.