General Manager, KOMU-TV

The University of Missouri School of Journalism seeks an experienced, forward-looking leader to serve as General Manager of KOMU-TV, a distinctive role at the intersection of public service, commercial success, and hands-on journalism education. KOMU 8 is a full-powered NBC and CW affiliate owned by the University of Missouri, serving the Columbia–Jefferson City DMA.

For more than 70 years, KOMU 8 has launched graduates of the nation’s most renowned journalism program into professional careers while competing successfully for ratings and revenue leadership. The station is part of the Missouri News Network, a collaborative group of community-facing journalism outlets that includes The Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine, KBIA-FM (NPR), The Boone County Journal, and Missouri Business Alert.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Lead all station departments, including news, sales, finance, marketing, digital, community engagement, and engineering
• Direct strategic planning, budgeting, and day-to-day operational execution
• Strengthen workflows, systems, and internal communications to position the station for long-term success
• Guide editorial and operational strategy while supporting KOMU’s role as a premier hands-on teaching laboratory
• Supervise newsroom operations in partnership with managers who hold faculty appointments and share responsibility for teaching and daily station operations
• Champion KOMU’s role in the School’s journalism training enterprise and help create meaningful learning opportunities for students
• Advance audience growth, revenue performance, brand strength, and product development across linear and digital platforms
• Partner with leaders across the University of Missouri’s media properties, including the Missouri News Network, to identify synergies, strengthen collaboration, and pursue new opportunities
• Serve as a visible, engaged leader on campus and in mid-Missouri, reinforcing KOMU’s market leadership and public-service mission

Reporting Relationship

The General Manager reports directly to the Dean of the Missouri School of Journalism and works closely with University leadership and affiliated media partners across the Missouri News Network.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant area or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 8 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five years of senior level management experience at a commercial television station
• Significant experience in newsroom leadership and editorial decision making
• Demonstrated responsibility for station operations, including financial and technical oversight
• A strong track record in personnel development and organizational leadership
• Expertise in audience research and measurement across platforms
• A strong understanding of broadcast and digital sales, budgeting, branding, and business development
• Experience leading product development in both linear and digital environments
• The ability to lead effectively in a setting that blends professional practice with academic mission
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field