Director news job description
A Director of News is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the overall direction and strategy of a news organization, including its editorial content, production, and distribution. Here is a job description for a Director of News:
Job Title: Director of News
Reports to: Editor-in-Chief, Publisher, or CEO
Job Summary:
The Director of News is responsible for leading the news team to produce high-quality, engaging, and accurate news content that meets the organization's editorial standards and resonates with its audience. The Director of News will develop and implement a comprehensive news strategy, manage a team of journalists and editors, and ensure the organization's news products are delivered on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive news strategy: Define the organization's news priorities, goals, and objectives, and develop a plan to achieve them.
- Lead the news team: Manage a team of journalists, editors, and producers to produce high-quality news content, including print, digital, and broadcast products.
- Oversee editorial content: Ensure that all news content meets the organization's editorial standards, is accurate, balanced, and fair, and is produced in a timely and efficient manner.
- Manage newsroom operations: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the newsroom, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Develop and maintain relationships with sources and contacts: Build and maintain relationships with key sources, contacts, and stakeholders to ensure access to exclusive news and information.
- Monitor and analyze news trends and audience engagement: Stay up-to-date with the latest news trends, audience engagement metrics, and industry developments to inform news decisions and improve content.
- Collaborate with other departments: Work closely with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and digital, to ensure a cohesive and effective news strategy.
- Manage budgets and resources: Oversee the news budget and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to achieve news goals.
- Ensure compliance with editorial policies and standards: Ensure that all news content complies with the organization's editorial policies and standards, and that all journalists and editors are aware of and adhere to these policies.
- Represent the organization: Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and meetings, and serve as a spokesperson for the organization's news products and initiatives.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior editorial or management role in a news organization
- Proven track record of producing high-quality news content and leading a team of journalists and editors
- Strong understanding of news trends, audience engagement metrics, and industry developments
- Excellent communication, leadership, and management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to think strategically and make informed decisions
- Familiarity with digital media and social media platforms
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field
- Experience in a digital-first news organization
- Knowledge of SEO and content optimization principles
- Experience with content management systems and digital publishing platforms
- Certification in journalism or a related field (e.g. AP, NABJ)