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News Director

told WNDU, South Bend, Indiana, us, 46626

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About WNDU: For more than 70 years, WNDU - the NBC Affiliate based on the University of Notre Dame campus, has been a trusted source for local news and community service. We produce over 36 hours of live news each week and continue to expand our coverage. Our team is committed to the highest standards in news, entertainment, informational, and public service programming. If you are looking to grow your career in a thriving newsroom and enjoy genuinely affordable living, explore our openings - we want to meet you.

Job Summary/Description: We are seeking an exceptional News Director to lead the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of our comprehensive news organization across television, streaming, mobile, and emerging platforms. This is a high-impact leadership role for an innovative journalist who combines strong teaching and coaching abilities with strategic planning expertise.

As News Director, you will inspire and develop a talented, diverse newsroom while implementing bold, innovative approaches to news coverage and content delivery. Working closely with senior station leadership, you’ll execute a strategic vision that serves the community with excellence while driving audience engagement and growth across all platforms.

Duties/Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Strategic Leadership & Planning

Develop and implement comprehensive strategic content plans with specific guidelines for digital, livestream, and traditional broadcast content

Partner with the General Manager to establish strategic direction and ensure effective implementation across all news operations

Plan and execute major event coverage (elections, Notre Dame Football pre-game show, breaking news situations) with innovation and excellence

Establish long-range objectives and specify strategies and actions to achieve them

Develop creative, research-based news strategies that leverage all available platforms and technologies

Set clear standards and goals for newsroom content quality, operations, and performance metrics

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and supervise all aspects of news, weather, and sports programming production

Coach and develop talent across all experience levels, from entry-level professionals to seasoned journalists

Manage all staffing functions, including hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, and termination decisions

Plan and execute comprehensive training and development programs for the News Department

Create a culture of accountability, mentorship, and continuous improvement

Conduct regular newscasts and content critiques to correct errors, improve coverage quality, and provide constructive feedback

Set clear performance standards and monitor achievement against departmental goals

Content Strategy & Operations

Oversee all content gathering and presentation guidelines across broadcast and digital platforms

Own breaking news and weather programming, directing continuous coverage for extended periods

Ensure achievement of viewer ratings, engagement goals, and digital metrics across all platforms

Assign projects strategically and ensure deadlines are consistently met

Showcase and promote innovative content approaches and best practices across all platforms

Maintain a strong working knowledge of community issues to inform coverage decisions and priorities

Demonstrate advanced proficiency in optimizing and distributing content across websites and social media platforms

Develop innovative approaches to content delivery and audience engagement across digital channels

Drive audience growth and engagement metrics through strategic content distribution

Ensure consistent brand representation and messaging across all digital platforms

Resource Management & Planning

Prepare and manage the annual News Department budget

Allocate resources strategically to maximize newsroom productivity and content quality

Determine programming and equipment needs to produce quality content across platforms

Ensure efficient deployment of staff and resources across broadcast and digital operations

Additional Duties

Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all operations

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements: Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications, or a related field

Minimum 3 years of newsroom leadership experience (News Director, Assistant News Director, or Executive Producer) with demonstrated success in strategic planning and implementation

Proven track record of successful team leadership, including hiring, development, and performance management of diverse teams

Demonstrated expertise in breaking news operations, weather programming, and major event coverage

Strong strategic planning ability with experience establishing objectives and executing integrated, multi-platform strategies

Advanced digital proficiency, including knowledge of website content management, social media optimization, and digital analytics

Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and handle simultaneous tasks

Proficiency with computers, newsroom technology systems, and office equipment

Fluency in English

Desired Skills & Attributes

Experience developing and executing innovative content approaches

Talent for identifying developmental needs and creating meaningful growth opportunities for team members

Strong listening skills and ability to collaborate effectively in developing solutions

Demonstrated passion for breaking news, weather coverage, and community service journalism

Strong understanding of audience engagement metrics and analytics

Community-focused perspective with deep knowledge of local issues and news priorities

Experience with multi-platform content strategy and optimization

Detail-oriented mindset with unwavering commitment to quality, accuracy, and innovation

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on

“apply now” , upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

WNDU-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info: Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Copyright 2026 WNDU. All rights reserved.

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