News Director

Brief Position Overview Yellowstone Public Radio is seeking a News Director to steer daily and long term news coverage for our Montana and northern Wyoming audience. The News Director is based in Billings, Mont., and currently oversees two host/reporters and two reporters, one of whom works remotely in another city. YPR is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff whose perspectives are heard and valued. An ideal candidate has experience managing a team, maintaining a robust regional news service, and furthering the mission of public radio. YPR’s newsroom seeks to amplify diverse voices and prioritizes collaboration within our organization and partner outlets in service to our listeners.

Montana State University Billings is a preferred employer in the region-WE WANT YOU!

The following are reasons why you should join our team:

• Work-life balanceHolidays-10 paid holidays per year and General Election Day

Vacation- 15 days per year (New Employees to 10 years; after 10 years the accrual rate increases)Sick Leave – Earned at an accrual rate of .0416125 for each hour in pay status.

• Employee and Dependent Tuition Waiver
• Opportunities to engage in professional development opportunities
• Committed to employee wellness and access to a robust Employee Assistance Program
• Medical Benefits that are robust and affordableVisit MUS Benefits

to learn more about our benefit package including Medical, Vision, and Dental

• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability are incorporated into our benefits.
• Learn more about our retirement benefits at MUS Retirement.
• Opportunities for career growth and a variety of career paths
• Campus vibrancy- coffee shops, FREE attendance to MSUB concerts, athletic events, and lectures, access to recreation center, library, etc.
• Beautiful campus environment that features our MSUB Mile walking path

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, creates, and implements YPR’s news reporting strategies and goals. Responsible for the development, management, production, and editing of regional news programming.
• Directs a team of news reporters and freelance content providers. Plans news program specials and series. Supervises the coverage of statewide elections.
• Supervises the coverage of state legislative sessions. Schedules and implements news content for broadcast and digital platforms. Oversees and implements the news department’s contributions to social media platforms.
• Supervises news department employees, student workers, and interns under the direction of the General Manager. Assigns stories and oversees news employee pitches. Supervises the training of news department employees and evaluates employee performance and, when necessary, recommends disciplinary actions. Supervises the purchase of audio recording equipment, audio editing software, and other equipment required for news reporting.
• Maintains the editorial integrity and professionalism of YPR’s newsroom. Responsible for the factual reporting of the news. Directs news department employees on editorial best practices. Maintains an updated resource on publishing guidelines. Responsible for communication with YPR listeners regarding YPR’s news reporting. Supervises any retractions, corrections, or other modifications to broadcast or published content when necessary.
• Daily, oversees the meetings and correspondence necessary to plan and implement the day’s news reporting. Supervises reporters on sources, story direction, fact-checking, and either edits or provides an editor for each story. Oversees the transition from broadcast story to published story on YPR’s digital platforms. Coordinates YPR’s Twitter feed. In coordination with Montana Public Radio’s News Director, oversees content sharing between the two stations.
• Represents YPR in communication and collaboration with NPR. Directs news employees on pitching stories to NPR. Researches and implements NPR best practices for use in the YPR newsroom. Oversees and implements collaborative opportunities with other news gathering organizations to partner on news content. Seeks out opportunities to submit YPR news programming for local, state, and national awards.
• Directs and supervises the on-air news hosts. Provides voice coaching and other feedback on a regular basis to ensure professional delivery of YPR newscasts. Acts as a substitute host in the event of vacation, sick leave, or other absence.
• Other duties as assigned: participates in the semi-annual on-air fundraising weeks; represents YPR at station functions and other public appearances; represents YPR to various community groups when needed.
• This position is considered essential and high priority. The News Director is on-call and is required to work irregular hours as circumstances dictate.

Required Qualifications –

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or a related field
• At least five (5) years of professional broadcast experience, preferably in public media
• Supervisory/leadership experience or demonstrated leadership skills

Ability to work within a budget framework and contribute to budgeting discussions

• Strong, clear communication skills including writing and editing skills
• Organizational skills
• Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills, including ability to make decisions quickly under pressure
• The ability to develop content for broadcast
• The ability to develop content and post to web and social media
• Reporting skills – including interviews, on-air, and breaking news
• This position requires a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 10 pounds of field recording gear

• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supervising staff within a media field
• Experience working in public radio/media
• Experience with live radio operation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $67,000 - $72,000