News Director

Job Description

Position Summary

The News Director is responsible for leading a high-performing, multiplatform newsroom with a relentless focus on breaking news, enterprise journalism, and audience engagement. This leader will drive a digital-first culture, ensuring content is produced with urgency, purpose, and impact across linear, streaming, and social platforms.

This role requires a strategic thinker and decisive leader who can inspire teams, strengthen community trust, and deliver journalism that is accurate, relevant, and meaningful. The News Director must foster a culture rooted in accountability, innovation, collaboration, and editorial excellence, while consistently evolving the newsroom to meet changing audience behaviors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the overall vision, strategy, and execution of the News Department, ensuring alignment with NBCUniversal and Telemundo Station Group priorities.
• Build and sustain a digital-first, audience-driven newsroom, where content is created with multiplatform distribution in mind from inception.
• Drive a culture of urgency, accountability, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on breaking news and enterprise reporting.
• Partner with station leadership to strengthen market position, grow audience share, and expand community impact.

Editorial Excellence & Content Oversight

• Oversee all newsgathering, production, and presentation across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.
• Ensure all content meets the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and fairness.
• Champion investigative and accountability journalism that exposes issues affecting the community and holds institutions accountable.
• Lead coverage of major breaking news and crises with clarity, speed, and strong editorial judgment.
• Ensure storytelling is compelling, visually engaging, and relevant to diverse audiences.

Digital & Audience Growth

• Drive rapid, real-time breaking news coverage on social and digital platforms.
• Develop strategies that increase engagement, reach, and audience growth, particularly among younger and bilingual audiences.
• Leverage data, analytics, and audience insights to inform editorial decisions and content strategy.
• Encourage innovative storytelling formats including vertical video, streaming content, and social-first reporting.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain top newsroom talent, building a diverse and inclusive team.
• Coach and mentor leaders and staff to grow in a multiplatform environment, emphasizing strong editorial judgment and storytelling skills.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability measures.
• Foster a collaborative environment where ideas are encouraged, communication is clear, and teams are aligned with the newsroom vision.

Operations & Collaboration

• Oversee day-to-day newsroom operations, including staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Sales, Engineering, and other departments to maximize content impact and revenue opportunities.
• Lead planning for major events, special coverage, and long-term editorial initiatives.

Community Engagement

• Strengthen the station’s connection to the community through service journalism, town halls, and audience-driven storytelling.
• Ensure the newsroom reflects and serves the needs of the local audience.
• Build partnerships that enhance trust, relevance, and visibility in the market.

Leadership Traits We’re Looking For

• Decisive and accountable leader who thrives under pressure
• Strong editorial judgment with a passion for impactful journalism
• Digital-first mindset with deep understanding of audience behavior
• Excellent communicator who leads with clarity, focus, and purpose
• Collaborative and people-focused, able to inspire and align teams
• Innovative thinker who embraces change and drives transformation
• High integrity and ethical standards

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish and English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Minimum 5+ years of newsroom leadership experience in a major market (News Director, Assistant News Director, Executive Producer, or equivalent)
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or equivalent experience
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering ratings and digital growth
• Experience managing budgets and strategic planning
• Strong understanding of multiplatform news operations (broadcast, digital, streaming, social)

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have an active Driver’s License and clean driving record
• Applicants must submit a resume/CV through www.nbcunicareers.com to be considered
• Must be based in or willing to work in Phoenix, AZ
• Willingness to travel to Tucson as needed
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Additional Job Requirements

Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].