News Director

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

NON-UNION FULL-TIME SALARIED

Salary Range
$90,000.00-$100,000.00 Annualized - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level

Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package includes, but not limited to, 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.

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