WUOT FM, the public radio station licensed to the University of Tennessee and located in Knoxville, seeks a news director who is excited about the prospect of reimagining what a public radio news team can accomplish and who is ready to lead collaborative projects with the College of Communication and Information’s (CCI) Media Center properties producing professional-quality work across platforms.

WUOT’s News Director plays the leading role in shaping the editorial vision and strategy of the newsroom. This involves making critical judgments about which stories to cover. The News Director’s editorial discretion also involves safeguarding journalistic integrity and ensuring that our coverage remains uninfluenced by the agendas of funders or the licensee. Additionally, strategic planning is essential, balancing comprehensive coverage of major events like elections while remaining agile enough to respond swiftly to breaking news.

This position must have deep knowledge of and commitment to the tenets and ethics of journalism and the role of journalism in society; know how to create innovative content on all platforms; have an understanding and commitment to community engagement.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Shape and execute WUOT’s editorial vision, strategy, policies, and priorities.
• Direct and lead overall efforts of the News Department and ensure that content is consistent with the station’s mission, goals, and journalistic standards.
• Responsible and accountable for the overall quality and performance of the station's news content.
• Direct daily news coverage and lead planning for major news events including elections, legislative sessions, or breaking stories.
• Recruits and manages student interns.
• Understand and incorporate deep knowledge of the area's community neighborhoods, issues, and other special characteristics to direct coverage and story selection.
• Develop strategies for implementing journalism that reaches diverse audiences and integrate new and historically underrepresented viewpoints.
• Collaborate with the leadership team regarding WUOT’s online and digital strategy.
• Seek out and lead news collaboration efforts with other stations, student media organizations, and other non-profit organizations.
• Supervise the newsroom, including editors, reporters, and producers.
• Assign projects or stories and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Develop Newsroom staff by coaching, training, and providing growth opportunities.
• Critique and edit content to enhance stories, assuring reporters/editors include multiple perspectives while maintaining accuracy, objectivity, and adherence to WUOT’s journalistic standards.
• Participates in on-air fundraising and community events as needed.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Passionate, resilient, goal-focused, and a creative thinker.
• A relationship builder who effectively communicates, builds rapport, and relates well to all kinds of people.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, and proven ability to collaborate with internal and external contacts and to consistently work well with a wide range of skilled and creative people.
• Creative problem solver and self-starter with sound judgment and the ability to complete multiple tasks on deadline.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Strong team player committed to working with department and station colleagues to achieve collective goals.

BONUS IF YOU BRING:

• Passion for and experience with public broadcasting
• Knowledge of Knoxville and East Tennessee - the people, music, cultures, issues, and geography.
• Knowledge of FCC guidelines and requirements

Required Education and Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in news/journalism; bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field preferred. Equivalent education/experience considered.

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
• Self-starter with excellent project management skills to deliver high-quality results under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in electronic news gathering and audio editing, news writing, and broadcast production strongly desired.
• Have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Strong team player committed to working with department and station colleagues to achieve collective goals.