News Director, WXMI

The E.W. Scripps Company’s WXMI FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is seeking an experienced News Director to lead our newsroom into a new era of investigative and enterprise journalism. Grand Rapids is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene, beautiful parks, and a thriving culinary landscape, offering a perfect blend of urban living and outdoor recreation. Here, you can enjoy everything from a bustling arts community to scenic lakes, making it an ideal location for both personal and professional growth.

In this role, you will inspire and develop a talented team of journalists to create impactful local content, while embracing an innovative digital-first mindset. By leveraging web, OTT, and social media platforms, you will ensure our stories reach and resonate with audiences across multiple channels. We are searching for a proactive leader who can effectively strategize for a rapidly-changing media landscape, coordinate breaking news coverage, and cultivate a collaborative, high-energy newsroom environment.

If you are passionate about storytelling and ready to make a significant impact in the community, we encourage you to apply. Join us at WXMI to lead a committed team dedicated to journalistic excellence and community engagement. Together, let’s shape the future of local news in a city that thrives on creativity and connectivity.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Create & implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations.

• Responsible for developing and implementing measurable strategies for audience growth while effectively managing news content delivered on multiple platforms.

• Communicate a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy.

• Analyze and respond to trends affecting the industry and DMA.

• Approve all newsroom personnel decisions.

• Develop and control annual budget to comply with station guidelines.

• Build and maintain key relationships to foster a positive news image within the community.

• Monitor all on-air and online product for compliance to Federal, State and local laws as well as First & Fourteenth Amendments.

• Work closely with other members of station management team to develop and attain departmental and station goals.

• Knowledge of and proficiency in posting content to station websites.

• Ability to adapt current resources to emerging technology.

• Supervise and provide regular feedback and yearly performance appraisals for direct reports with ultimate responsibility for all newsroom personnel.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• At least 5-years or more of News Management experience is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or related field preferred.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Demonstrated ability to track and select trending news stories.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to work in a rapid, fast-paced environment.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Knowledge and demonstration of editorial judgment, journalistic ethics and libel laws.

• Ability to create tactics and strategies to increase demo performance in key target areas for multiple platforms.

• Have working knowledge of federal, state and local laws impacting operations.

• Advanced oral and written communication skills.

• Effective in a variety of formal presentation settings both inside and outside the organization.

• Proven and effective leadership skills; fosters open dialogue, empowers others, addresses conflict quickly and directly.