News Director

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY

Reporting to the General Manager, the News Director provides editorial leadership for all news and public affairs programming at NJ PBS, ensuring the highest standards of journalism and maintaining independence between station operations and any outside political or institutional influence. This role oversees the newsroom, public affairs content, and the station's partnership with news organizations across the state through the NJ News Commons and NJ News Wire, championing accountability journalism in service to New Jersey's communities. This position is expected to lead creation of a new kind of public media newsroom for the state, one that is focused on listening to and serving people’s information needs, and one that is innovative and agile on multiple platforms.

NOTE: Hiring is contingent upon the execution of the contract between the State of New Jersey and Montclair State University.
 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set the day-to-day and long-term editorial agenda for NJ PBS news, including leading the newsroom's response to breaking and developing news events across New Jersey.

• Set and uphold editorial standards and journalism ethics for all NJ PBS news and public affairs content.

• Maintain a separation between the newsroom and university administration, state government, and major funders.

• Supervise all news staff.

• Lead daily editorial meetings that combine news judgment, social analytics, and trend identification.

• Drive the creation and development of new news products and services (newsletters, podcasts, etc.).

• Manage the day-to-day working relationship with news partners.

• Develop strategies for covering underrepresented communities across all 21 New Jersey counties.

• Ensure deep community listening is a driving force behind newsroom decisions.

• Manage the news department budget, including personnel, equipment, and production resources.

• Mentor news department staff; foster a diverse, inclusive newsroom culture.

• Represent the station editorially at public events, community forums, and partner organization meetings across New Jersey.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, or a related field.

• Minimum five years of professional experience in the news media industry.

• Demonstrated experience in broadcast and digital news management, including editorial oversight, newsroom operations, and staff supervision.

• Strong news judgment and experience in practicing the highest editorial and ethical standards

• Demonstrated track record of growing audiences on both broadcast and digital platforms.

PREFERRED

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Experience at a public media PBS-affiliated or NPR-affiliated station.

• Knowledge of the New Jersey media landscape and news ecosystem.

• Experience with multiplatform and digital-first news operations.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Salary Range

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/   

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions. 

Department

Position Type

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/