News Director – Local Journalism Leadership Role
Civic Media Inc, Madison, Wisconsin, us, 53774
PROPOSED JOB POSTING VERBIAGE
Civic Media is hiring a strategic, hands‑on
News Director
to lead a multi‑platform newsroom delivering breaking news, enterprise reporting, and community‑focused journalism across radio, digital, podcast, and social channels. This position is ideal for an experienced newsroom leader who thrives in fast‑paced environments, excels at editorial decision‑making, and is passionate about local media’s role in civic engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and supervise a team of reporters and contributors
Edit radio scripts and digital stories for accuracy, clarity, and broadcast tone
Oversee breaking news coverage and develop long‑term editorial plans
Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development guidance
Participate in on‑air anchoring rotations as needed
Direct special projects, investigative series, and election or event coverage
Set editorial priorities and approve story assignments
Manage freelancers, interns, and newsroom workflow
Collaborate with digital, content, and production teams
Ensure timely publishing across broadcast and online platforms
Represent newsroom leadership at meetings, public events, and membership drives
Required Qualifications
3+ years of newsroom management or supervisory experience
5+ years of journalism/reporting experience
Demonstrated editorial judgment and decision‑making ability
Experience editing audio and written news content
Background in broadcast, digital publishing, or multimedia newsrooms
Strong understanding of journalism ethics and standards
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or related field
Experience producing audio stories or live broadcasts
Familiarity with CMS platforms, social media publishing, and analytics tools
Track record of mentoring journalists and improving newsroom performance
Benefits
Competitive salary + growth potential
Health, dental, vision insurance
Paid time off + holidays
401(K) with company matching
Why Join Us This is an opportunity to shape local journalism, mentor reporters, and lead coverage that informs and strengthens communities. You’ll have editorial influence, leadership autonomy, and a platform to grow a newsroom committed to meaningful reporting.
About Civic Media Civic Media has built a radio and digital media network in the Midwest with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high‑quality content to a growing audience via our radio stations, websites, mobile app, and social media. We work in a fast‑paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary and civic engagement.
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION ABOUT OUR COMPANY Civic Media has built a radio and digital media network in the Midwest with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high‑quality content to a growing audience via our radio stations, websites, mobile app, and social media. We work in a fast‑paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary and civic engagement.
SUMMARY The News Director will lead a team of local reporters tasked with keeping their communities updated on breaking news and stories of significance. The ideal News Director is plugged into a variety of news sources and is a sharp, curious, hard‑working person who is excited by new technology together with the power of radio, ready to lead the growth of an evolving team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Coach and mentor a team of news reporters, encouraging them to excel as journalists and seek professional development opportunities.
Switch seamlessly between editing radio and web copy on a daily basis, ensuring that advice is consistent among reporters, while maintaining standards of ethics as well as quality.
Provide constructive, clear edits with “writing for the ear” top of mind for radio stories; prioritize live reads and conversational tone for radio copy, and give feedback on stories in a timely fashion before broadcast or digital publication. Ensure that digital stories are well constructed, appealing and posted quickly.
Participate in rotating on‑air anchoring shifts, including evening and weekend coverage, as needed.
Create, maintain, and execute coverage plans for breaking news and ongoing coverage.
Take initiative and demonstrate leadership on Specials, series, and projects from idea to execution with a collaborative vision.
Develop and oversee the editorial focus of the newsroom in collaboration with the news team, staying on alert and demonstrating curiosity for story opportunities.
Support the news team as they regularly pitch and execute stories for local, regional and state‑wide reach.
Participate in the execution of a content distribution strategy to include broadcast, digital, podcast, and social media, addressing local, regional, and state‑wide audiences.
Attend major station events, regularly participate in on‑air membership drives, and support grant writing/reporting as needed.
Represent the News Team at staff meetings.
Manage freelancers and interns.
Confers and collaborates with the Content Team on what topics are appropriate to pursue.
Maintain a close working relationship with the Digital Team.
The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCES
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or related field preferred.
3+ years of experience managing in a news environment.
5+ years of experience working covering news and using strong news judgment.
5+ years of experience in production and/or creative direction.
Deep understanding of the purpose and mission of local media.
Proven track record editing stories and working with staff to grow and develop.
Strong understanding of content creation principles, editing, and distribution techniques that will aid in the promotion of the News Team’s best work.
Demonstrated professional experience in editing and producing audio stories and in writing and/or editing news articles for print/web publication.
Experience with social media platforms, and community engagement tools preferred.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Civic Media is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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News Director
to lead a multi‑platform newsroom delivering breaking news, enterprise reporting, and community‑focused journalism across radio, digital, podcast, and social channels. This position is ideal for an experienced newsroom leader who thrives in fast‑paced environments, excels at editorial decision‑making, and is passionate about local media’s role in civic engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and supervise a team of reporters and contributors
Edit radio scripts and digital stories for accuracy, clarity, and broadcast tone
Oversee breaking news coverage and develop long‑term editorial plans
Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development guidance
Participate in on‑air anchoring rotations as needed
Direct special projects, investigative series, and election or event coverage
Set editorial priorities and approve story assignments
Manage freelancers, interns, and newsroom workflow
Collaborate with digital, content, and production teams
Ensure timely publishing across broadcast and online platforms
Represent newsroom leadership at meetings, public events, and membership drives
Required Qualifications
3+ years of newsroom management or supervisory experience
5+ years of journalism/reporting experience
Demonstrated editorial judgment and decision‑making ability
Experience editing audio and written news content
Background in broadcast, digital publishing, or multimedia newsrooms
Strong understanding of journalism ethics and standards
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or related field
Experience producing audio stories or live broadcasts
Familiarity with CMS platforms, social media publishing, and analytics tools
Track record of mentoring journalists and improving newsroom performance
Benefits
Competitive salary + growth potential
Health, dental, vision insurance
Paid time off + holidays
401(K) with company matching
Why Join Us This is an opportunity to shape local journalism, mentor reporters, and lead coverage that informs and strengthens communities. You’ll have editorial influence, leadership autonomy, and a platform to grow a newsroom committed to meaningful reporting.
About Civic Media Civic Media has built a radio and digital media network in the Midwest with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high‑quality content to a growing audience via our radio stations, websites, mobile app, and social media. We work in a fast‑paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary and civic engagement.
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION ABOUT OUR COMPANY Civic Media has built a radio and digital media network in the Midwest with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high‑quality content to a growing audience via our radio stations, websites, mobile app, and social media. We work in a fast‑paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary and civic engagement.
SUMMARY The News Director will lead a team of local reporters tasked with keeping their communities updated on breaking news and stories of significance. The ideal News Director is plugged into a variety of news sources and is a sharp, curious, hard‑working person who is excited by new technology together with the power of radio, ready to lead the growth of an evolving team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Coach and mentor a team of news reporters, encouraging them to excel as journalists and seek professional development opportunities.
Switch seamlessly between editing radio and web copy on a daily basis, ensuring that advice is consistent among reporters, while maintaining standards of ethics as well as quality.
Provide constructive, clear edits with “writing for the ear” top of mind for radio stories; prioritize live reads and conversational tone for radio copy, and give feedback on stories in a timely fashion before broadcast or digital publication. Ensure that digital stories are well constructed, appealing and posted quickly.
Participate in rotating on‑air anchoring shifts, including evening and weekend coverage, as needed.
Create, maintain, and execute coverage plans for breaking news and ongoing coverage.
Take initiative and demonstrate leadership on Specials, series, and projects from idea to execution with a collaborative vision.
Develop and oversee the editorial focus of the newsroom in collaboration with the news team, staying on alert and demonstrating curiosity for story opportunities.
Support the news team as they regularly pitch and execute stories for local, regional and state‑wide reach.
Participate in the execution of a content distribution strategy to include broadcast, digital, podcast, and social media, addressing local, regional, and state‑wide audiences.
Attend major station events, regularly participate in on‑air membership drives, and support grant writing/reporting as needed.
Represent the News Team at staff meetings.
Manage freelancers and interns.
Confers and collaborates with the Content Team on what topics are appropriate to pursue.
Maintain a close working relationship with the Digital Team.
The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCES
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or related field preferred.
3+ years of experience managing in a news environment.
5+ years of experience working covering news and using strong news judgment.
5+ years of experience in production and/or creative direction.
Deep understanding of the purpose and mission of local media.
Proven track record editing stories and working with staff to grow and develop.
Strong understanding of content creation principles, editing, and distribution techniques that will aid in the promotion of the News Team’s best work.
Demonstrated professional experience in editing and producing audio stories and in writing and/or editing news articles for print/web publication.
Experience with social media platforms, and community engagement tools preferred.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Civic Media is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
#J-18808-Ljbffr