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Director of News and Public Affairs

American Association for Public Opinion Research, Austin, TX, United States


Description Purpose of the Job/Essential Functions Austin PBS is seeking an innovative and experienced journalism leader to guide and grow our news and public affairs content serving Central Texas.

This candidate will ensure high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that reflects the diverse communities we serve. This position will lead a multidisciplinary team of talented journalists and content professionals, fostering a culture of editorial excellence, collaboration, and innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.

Key priorities include growing digital news audiences, developing platform-specific content strategies, and advancing community-centered journalism through partnerships, diverse voices, and solutions-oriented dialogue. Current initiatives under this role include Austin InSight, a weekly news and feature journalism program, and the community-led reporting of Decibel.

The ideal candidate brings strong news judgment, team leadership experience, and a track record of producing high-quality content while expanding audience reach across platforms. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Oversees the editorial vision, mission, strategic plan, priorities and policies for all news and public affairs programs at Austin PBS

Serve as Executive Producer for Austin InSight and ensure production is consistent with the the vision, mission, goals and editorial policies of the department and station

Directly supervises reporting and journalism staff and is responsible for recruiting, training and coaching

Directs and manages all short, medium and long term planning around current and future news and public affairs projects

Collaborates with other departments to achieve the strategic priorities of the station, which includes but is not limited to fundraising, audience, programming and community engagement goals

Establishes, fosters and maintains relationships and collaborations with other media organizations

Communicate with the station’s board of directors, community advisory board and other stakeholder groups regarding news and public affairs content as needed

Makes public appearances on behalf of the station

Other duties as assigned

Requirements Knowledge & Skills Required

Seven to 10 years in journalism plus minimum 2 years in leadership

Bachelor's degree in video, photography, journalism, or other similar related fields (or the equivalent combination of education and experience)

Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team toward a common goal

Demonstrated ability to maintain high journalistic standards and uncompromising ethics

Understanding and commitment to community engagement through an audience-centered approach

Must have a creative mindset, enthusiasm for online media, and an understanding of non-commercial news

Must have proven abilities in planning and coordinating people and operations.

Knowledge of Central Texas community a plus

Please provide cover letter & samples of work (reels, portfolio, writing samples, etc.)

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