Newsroom Assignment Coordinator

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 News Director, the Assignment Coordinator is the real-time nerve center of the NJ PBS newsroom, managing the daily assignment workflow. The Assignment Coordinator coordinates crew and equipment assignments, monitors police/fire scanners and social media for breaking news, and maintains journalist and photographer scheduling. In addition, this position develops and maintains news relationships, contacts and sources, gathers editorial information on breaking news and developing stories, books interviews and guests for programs and platforms, manages planning for future story and events coverage, and serves as a central communication hub between the News Director, anchor, reporters, producers, photojournalists, and editors. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor social media and wire services for breaking news and developing stories.

• Assign reporters and photojournalists to stories based on availability, location, and editorial priorities.

• Manage crew scheduling and equipment deployment, ensuring adequate coverage for all assigned stories.

• Maintain the assignment log and daily story list, updating it throughout the day as stories develop.

• Ensure that all platforms are considered when making story assignments, shooting news coverage, and producing content to maximize the value of the material gathered for all platforms.

• Communicate with field crews via phone and two-way radio, relaying updates and coordinating logistics.

• Coordinate live shot logistics, including satellite truck positioning, microwave paths, and IP-based live connections.

• Assist producers with rundown planning by providing real-time updates on story status and crew availability.

• Maintain contact databases for emergency services, government offices, and community organizations.

• Contribute ideas and story pitches to editorial meetings.

• Develop and maintain news contacts and sources.

• Manage planning for future story and events coverage.

• Monitor competitor content and flag gaps in coverage.

• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.

• 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 institution in a related field.

• At least three years of demonstrated assignment desk experience in broadcast or digital daily newsroom operations, including managing breaking news. including crew scheduling and assignment coordination.

• Strong news judgment.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent field assignments in a live news environment.

• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.

• Prior assignment desk experience at a television or digital daily news organization.

• Knowledge of New Jersey geography, government, and public safety agencies.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

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

$75,000.00-$85,000.00 Annually

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

NJ PBS

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email [email protected].

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/