R1 News Director

Job Position: News Director

Department: Programming

Reports to: Program Director

FLSA: Exempt (LRN-CRE)

Status: Full-time 

Work Location: Indianapolis

OVERVIEW: 

The Radio One story began simply with a dream and one radio station. Forty years, 13 markets, and 70+

stations later, we are an urban media empire, spanning multiple media platforms. We are in your ears with Reach Media/Radio One, on your televisions with TV One, and may even be the name behind your favorite website, with our digital platform Interactive One. Information is power, and our mission here at Radio One, Inc. is simple – to be the most trusted media source in the African American community. At Urban One, we pride ourselves on hiring people who are dedicated and continue to challenge the norm, while embracing a corporate culture built on creativity and passion. We are our employees’ biggest fans, and it is our daily mission to attract, develop, and retain the brightest stars in the business.

Directs and coordinates activities of the news department of the radio station and state radio network, including but not limited to on-the-air, brand-associated websites, and social media. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Confers with executives, programming, and production staff members regarding budget, station policy, news coverage of special events, and production problems.

• Monitors news developments by listening to scanners, watching TV, and reading the newspaper. Covers breaking news for the cluster with potential feeds to other Radio One markets
• Confers with Program Director and approves program content or issues directions for changes or modification
• Originates or approves feature ideas and sends ideas to personnel of the assignment department for implementation.
• Monitors news development by listening to scanners and monitoring other media websites and social media. 
• Maintains positive relationships with state network affiliates.
• Assigns appropriate news reporters and/or anchors to cover stories and anchor newscasts.
• Coordinates with Programming and Traffic Departments
• Interviews new sources and covers stories along with special projects
• Develops and maintains relations with newsmakers and the community
• Oversees development, writing, and producing special news programming and documentaries

• Directly supervises employees in the News Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Intelligent, analytically precise, and articulate, and possess excellent oral and writing skills.
• Skilled in prioritizing and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume, frequently changing environment that may include situations of high complexity, ambiguity, and incomplete information.

• Ability to analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write news reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and the general public.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• The ability to effectively interface frequently with the local community and employees. 
• The employee must occasionally travel locally and work long hours during breaking news events. Ability to navigate high levels of stress to meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and direct a team to include but not limited to: 

• Provide regular constructive feedback 
• Resolve issues/conflicts with diplomacy in a timely manner 
• Provide ongoing guidance and support for growth and development 
• Deploy effective coaching skills 
• Practical understanding of anti-harassment and discrimination laws 
• Ability to effectively administer performance reviews and corrective action plans as appropriate. 
• Ensure team (s) attend mandatory department and/or mandatory company training (s) as required. 
• Submit to a criminal background check 
• Legal right to work in the United States 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

BA preferred from a four-year college or university; 3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be knowledgeable in local community and national events. Must have a valid driver's license and state-mandated auto insurance.