Assignment Editor
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
Arizona Public Media (AZPM) is an editorially independent public service organization, operated as a community service of the University of Arizona. AZPM is committed to delivering trusted, in‑depth journalism and storytelling that informs, connects, and strengthens the communities of Southern Arizona. We value accuracy, fairness, diverse perspectives, and community engagement in all our reporting.
AZPM’s News department is seeking a highly organized, editorially driven Assignment Editor to work under the direction of the News Director and AZPM leadership. The Assignment Editor will help manage daily in‑depth news coverage across radio, television, and digital platforms. The role is central to newsroom operations—identifying story opportunities, setting coverage priorities, managing logistics, monitoring breaking news, and ensuring timely, accurate, and compelling journalism that serves Southern Arizona communities. The Assignment Editor will also help develop and train staff, support and implement newsroom systems, assist with scheduling, contribute to social media strategy and posting, and edit and approve copy.
Duties & Responsibilities
Track daily and longer‑term coverage plans using newsroom planning tools.
Coordinate logistics including interviews, field crews, and special event coverage.
Under the direction of the AZPM News Director, assign stories to multimedia journalists and production services staff.
Assist with editorial planning for special projects, elections, and major community events.
Support adherence to AZPM editorial standards, ethical, legal, and public‑media requirements by applying them daily and identifying issues for the News Director as needed.
Collaborate with radio, television, and digital staff and students to ensure cohesive cross‑platform coverage.
Maintain and cultivate relationships with community and university organizations, government agencies, and local stakeholders.
Participate with the News Director and Chief Original Content Officer in semi‑annual and annual evaluations of AZPM multimedia journalists.
Support writing, editing, or field production as needed.
Monitor multi‑platform news, social media, community sources, and public records to identify developing news and issues of importance to the community.
Generate and evaluate story ideas aligned with AZPM’s public‑service mission and maintain a professional, cooperative working environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Ability to respond quickly to breaking news situations.
Strong news judgment and understanding of community issues and public‑media values.
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
Team player with ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to breaking news.
Proficiency with electronic news‑gathering tools (e.g., digital recorders and microphones), editing and newsroom software, digital publishing platforms, and social media monitoring tools.
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning achieved through professional‑level experience.
Minimum of five years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
BA/BS degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
Experience in public media or nonprofit journalism.
Experience as a video or still photographer and/or editor.
Experience working on stories centered on Southern Arizona communities and issues.
Experience with investigative or enterprise story development.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Benefits Outstanding University of Arizona benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to university recreation and cultural activities; and more. The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work‑life programs.
Full‑time position: 40 hours per week. Salary range: $47,356 – $59,195.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
AZPM’s News department is seeking a highly organized, editorially driven Assignment Editor to work under the direction of the News Director and AZPM leadership. The Assignment Editor will help manage daily in‑depth news coverage across radio, television, and digital platforms. The role is central to newsroom operations—identifying story opportunities, setting coverage priorities, managing logistics, monitoring breaking news, and ensuring timely, accurate, and compelling journalism that serves Southern Arizona communities. The Assignment Editor will also help develop and train staff, support and implement newsroom systems, assist with scheduling, contribute to social media strategy and posting, and edit and approve copy.
Duties & Responsibilities
Track daily and longer‑term coverage plans using newsroom planning tools.
Coordinate logistics including interviews, field crews, and special event coverage.
Under the direction of the AZPM News Director, assign stories to multimedia journalists and production services staff.
Assist with editorial planning for special projects, elections, and major community events.
Support adherence to AZPM editorial standards, ethical, legal, and public‑media requirements by applying them daily and identifying issues for the News Director as needed.
Collaborate with radio, television, and digital staff and students to ensure cohesive cross‑platform coverage.
Maintain and cultivate relationships with community and university organizations, government agencies, and local stakeholders.
Participate with the News Director and Chief Original Content Officer in semi‑annual and annual evaluations of AZPM multimedia journalists.
Support writing, editing, or field production as needed.
Monitor multi‑platform news, social media, community sources, and public records to identify developing news and issues of importance to the community.
Generate and evaluate story ideas aligned with AZPM’s public‑service mission and maintain a professional, cooperative working environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Ability to respond quickly to breaking news situations.
Strong news judgment and understanding of community issues and public‑media values.
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
Team player with ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to breaking news.
Proficiency with electronic news‑gathering tools (e.g., digital recorders and microphones), editing and newsroom software, digital publishing platforms, and social media monitoring tools.
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning achieved through professional‑level experience.
Minimum of five years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
BA/BS degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
Experience in public media or nonprofit journalism.
Experience as a video or still photographer and/or editor.
Experience working on stories centered on Southern Arizona communities and issues.
Experience with investigative or enterprise story development.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Benefits Outstanding University of Arizona benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to university recreation and cultural activities; and more. The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work‑life programs.
Full‑time position: 40 hours per week. Salary range: $47,356 – $59,195.
#J-18808-Ljbffr