Description:

Position Title: Assistant News Director

Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt

SUMMARY
An Assistant News Director for our family-owned company is expected to share in the same baseline job description. You will report directly to the Station Manager/News Director, who will decide scheduling, evaluate your performance relative to the job description, and assist with your leadership development, which is unique to you. Our operation is based on a story-centric workflow. That means we prioritize story treatment across a variety of platforms, from our linear broadcasts to our streaming services, as well as social media and our digital properties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, delivering direction and advice that mirrors other news leadership from within the operation.
Manage content and story treatment and work with other newsroom managers to best showcase that content on any platform NonStop Local supports.
An active newsroom leader who sets an example by visibly supporting and enhancing the work to improve and expand the viewer/user experience on all platforms by interpreting the information and delivering excellence.
Set clear standards and hold staff accountable.
Coach reporters, producers and digital producers on story selection and writing.
Coach and supervise to improve overall newscast quality/showcasing/production value.
Coach staff on bringing urgency to our platforms, exercising news judgement and brand filters, and writing conversationally.
Breaking news is our bread and butter. Assistant News Directors are expected to lead breaking news coverage in a smooth, cohesive way, making sure to cover all broadcast, digital and social media platforms.
Help manage communication in the newsroom through post-show meetings, editorial meetings and one-on-ones with staff.
A competitive passion to win and openness to innovation is mandatory.
Work with other managers and staff to coordinate big initiatives and station coverage of events.
Other duties as assigned.
 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of five years of management experience at a live commercial media outlet.
Degree in Journalism, Communications, Media or related program preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS

Strong leadership skills.
Ability to make quick, strong editorial judgments and a proven ethical foundation.
Availability for big breaking news coverage on unassigned shift.
Strong writing skills and news judgment.
Exemplary communication skills.
Ability to motivate news staff to succeed and help celebrate wins.
Ability to have the tough conversations and hold anchors, reporters, photographers, producers and technical staff accountable for meeting goals and deadlines.
An above-average, demonstrable knowledge of television newscast production techniques and digital news writing is extremely helpful.
TECHNICAL SKILLS

Office Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent tools (e.g., Google Workspace), including email and calendar management.
Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with web publishing platforms to manage and upload digital content.
Broadcast-Specific Software: Familiarity with newsroom systems such as ENPS or iNews and teleprompter operations.
Research Tools: Ability to use online research tools, databases, and search engines effectively.
Live Streaming: Familiarity with live-streaming platforms and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams.
Data Analytics (Optional): Basic understanding of tools like Google Analytics to analyze audience trends.
KEY COMPETENCIES

Language Skills

Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing to communicate complex information clearly.
Ability to adjust tone and vocabulary for diverse audiences and platforms.
Customer Service Skills

Ability to engage authentically with viewers and build trust through effective communication.
Strong conflict resolution and adaptability to audience preferences.
Professionalism when representing the station at public events or online.
Reasoning Abilities

Strong critical thinking skills to evaluate sources, analyze data, and make editorial decisions.
Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources for clear, logical reporting.
Sound ethical reasoning to ensure fairness and adherence to journalistic standards.
Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of eight (8) to ten (10) hours per day.
Occasional lifting of equipment (e.g., cameras, tripods) up to 30 pounds.
Manual dexterity in operating equipment and computers.
Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Work Environment

Primarily indoors in a newsroom setting.
Frequent exposure to low or medium noise levels.
A fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom environment.
What we offer:

We are a family-owned and operated multi-business organization with a heart for the community we serve and our employees! We set you up for success by providing the necessary tools and training needed to succeed in your position. This includes:

A friendly, supportive, and professional team atmosphere

Competitive wages and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching, Employee Assistance Programs, and so much more!

We believe work/life balance is key to continued success. We offer Vacation days, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and more!

For detailed information regarding benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday time, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

Montana Benefits:​https://heyzine.com/flip-book/NonStopLocalMT

What Next? If you want to be part of our winning team, email your cover letter, resume, and link to your reel to: Luke Thoburn, Director of Employee Development at Luket@nonstoplocal.com.

Don’t forget: Complete your application at https://cowlesco.vistahrms.com/ complete all required fields, and upload any supporting documents such as a resume, cover letter, references, and examples of work! At the end of your profile creation, simply pick the position(s) you would like to apply for and press “submit.” It’s that easy!

If you already have a company profile, log in and update your information where necessary, then apply to the open requisition.

If you need assistance with creating or logging into your candidate profile, please email careers@cowlesco.com and an HR representative will respond as quickly as possible.

At Cowles Company, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity is unwavering, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We believe that together we can build a brighter future for our employees and our organization that enriches our organization, drives innovation, and fuels our success. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and strive to maintain a respectful, professional workplace where individuals are evaluated based on merit, performance, and business needs.

All candidates selected for hire will be required to submit to a background check.

Drug Testing, including THC, applies to safety-sensitive positions.

Position open until filled.