Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: M7007 / News Director
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 12
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Oversees production and on-air anchoring of radio newscasts and public affairs programs. Directs the assignment of coverage for news stories; and covers and prepares news stories for broadcast. Provides editorial decision making and guidance to ensure compliance and accuracy, and that deadlines are met in a fast-paced environment. Supervises staff reporters, on-call reporters, student interns, station volunteers, and grant-funded news staff assigned to special coverage.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Directs the gathering and production of news content for broadcast and digital platforms, leveraging the use of digital tools to enhance news gathering and dissemination.
  2. Supervises personnel, which includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
  3. Ensures compliance with university policies and federal, state, and local regulations governing news coverage.
  4. Generates assignments and evaluates news leads and news tips to develop stories.
  5. Gathers and verifies factual information regarding stories through interview, observation and research; ensures the accuracy of news programs.
  6. Edits news material and reporter submissions; prepares and writes stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards, and serves as fill-in host.
  7. Interacts with senior management in the development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.
  8. Participates in the development and management of annual operating budgets and provides fiscal input to the unit.
  9. Monitors equipment usage and ensures the maintenance of equipment inventories.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to problem solve, make immediate decisions and provide leaderhsip skills and examples.
  • Ability to develop and deliver news reports and programs on-air and online.
  • Knowledge of broadcast and web-based journalism principles and techniques.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Records maintenance skills.
  • Knowledge of on-air and online techniques/procedures, protocols, and standards.
  • Knowledge of news and public affairs radio program production.
  • Ability to collect, evaluate, and adapt news and public affairs items for incorporation into on-air and/or online content.
  • Ability to make broadcast programming decisions within defined parameters.
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, conventions and protocols relating to the delivery of news and public affairs content.
  • Skill in the use of journalistic research and methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of editorial and ethical standards for the research and development of journalistic articles and/or presentations.
  • Knowledge of budget preparation, cost estimating, monitoring, and fiscal management principles and procedures.
  • Journalism writing skills.
  • Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.

Conditions of Employment

  • A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
  • Ability to secure and maintain a valid UNM Driver's License.
  • Work, may on occasion, require travel throughout the state.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/30/2021