News Director Job at WCIA 3 in Champaign

Overview

WCIA 3 is seeking a visionary News Director to lead our multi-platform newsroom and shape the future of local journalism across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social platforms. This is a high-impact leadership role with full oversight of the station’s news operation, focused on growing audience reach, engagement, and loyalty through innovative storytelling, strong editorial standards, and data-informed decision-making. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader who understands modern audience behavior, thrives in a fast-evolving media environment, and can inspire teams to deliver trusted journalism wherever audiences consume it. WCIA 3 is the CBS affiliate serving east-central Illinois and a trusted source of local news, weather, and information. Located in Champaign-Urbana, the station serves a vibrant, highly engaged market anchored by the University of Illinois, offering a unique mix of innovation, culture, affordability, and quality of life, with easy access to major Midwest cities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and editorial leadership for the newsroom across linear, digital, OTT, streaming, and social platforms


• Partner with General Manager to set direction, goals, and long-term content strategy


• Lead the development and execution of audience-first content initiatives designed to grow reach, engagement, and retention


• Oversee CTV, OTT, and streaming efforts, including live programming, breaking news, and on-demand content


• Monitor, analyze, and optimize digital performance using key metrics such as page views, video views, watch time, unique users, and social engagement


• Ensure the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and community relevance across all content


• Recruit, mentor, and develop newsroom leaders and staff while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration


• Work cross-functionally with digital, marketing, sales, and technical teams to maximize content impact and discoverability


• Strengthen community engagement through inclusive coverage that reflects and serves the diverse audiences of east-central Illinois


• Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices in news and content delivery

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years newsroom management experience


• Proven success driving audience growth across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms


• Strong understanding of digital analytics, audience measurement, and performance optimization


• Experience with CTV/OTT platforms, content management systems, and newsroom automation tools


• Excellent editorial judgment, leadership skills, and communication abilities


• Ability to adapt to changing technologies, workflows, and audience behaviors


• Demonstrated passion for innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement


• Experience leading teams across departments and collaborating effectively within a larger organization


• Working knowledge of emerging distribution platforms such as FAST channels, YouTube, and TikTok


• Strong fiscal management experience, including operational and capital budgeting

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000.00-$100,000.00 Annualized — commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level. Non-union full-time salaried position.

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid parental leave, life insurance and more.