News Director

WHTM abc27, the ABC television affiliate serving Harrisburg, PA, part of Nexstar Media Group, is looking for an innovative News Director to lead our multi-platform news operation, including our television broadcast, digital channels, and mobile platforms. Located in Pennsylvania’s capital and the nation’s 42rd DMA, Harrisburg offers an ideal balance of a high quality of life and access to major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of abc27’s news operations, focusing on developing journalistic talent, producing impactful storytelling, and driving digital-first, community-centered news. Join us in delivering vital content across Central Pennsylvania’s diverse media landscape.

Essential Duties:

• Oversee all aspects of news, weather, and sports programming for broadcast, digital, and mobile platforms.
• Manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations within the News Department.
• Make decisions regarding hiring, evaluations, promotions, and terminations of team members.
• Develop and implement a news coverage strategy that aligns with station and audience needs.
• Provide constructive feedback to on-air talent and newsroom staff to foster professional growth and improve content quality.
• Critique newscasts and digital content regularly to enhance quality and provide mentoring feedback.
• Assign projects to staff, ensuring deadlines and production standards are met.
• Collaborate with senior station leaders to set and achieve station goals.
• Establish and monitor viewer rating and digital metric goals, adjusting strategies to maximize engagement.
• Determine programming and equipment needs for producing high-quality content.
• Foster a positive, collaborative newsroom culture that supports creativity, teamwork, and career development for all employees.
• Respond promptly to coverage questions and ensure seamless newsroom operations.
  
  

Requirements & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience in news production, with at least two years in a leadership role.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proficiency in English.
• Strong organizational skills, able to prioritize assignments and manage multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Proven experience in guiding, directing, and motivating team members, with a focus on setting and achieving performance standards.
• Ability to develop long-range objectives and implement strategies to meet them.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching staff to support their professional development.
• Demonstrated skill in budget preparation and departmental resource management.
• Proficiency in digital tools, audience analytics, and social media strategy.
• Familiarity with standard office equipment and newsroom technology.
• Strong listening skills to understand team needs and collaborate on effective solutions.
  
  

If you are passionate about local journalism and eager to lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality news across platforms, we encourage you to apply. Join abc27 and Nexstar Media Group in making an impact in the Harrisburg community and beyond.