"News Media Director"

Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication - BEA's #1 Media Program in the nation - is seeking a dedicated and dynamic News Director. This essential role is responsible for overseeing the development, production, and management of a student-led live newscast and related multimedia programming. This role involves supervising and mentoring students in editorial and production roles, managing daily news coverage, coordinating special event reporting, and maintaining the visual and editorial standards of the broadcasts.

Essential Duties:

• Oversees students & staff involved in the daily 30-minute live newscast, including its social media accounts, website, marquee, and streaming platforms.
• Creates, supervises, and manages additional programming to accommodate increasing student interest and involvement.
• Support students and staff in both on- and off-camera roles, offering direction on editorial decisions and, when needed, assisting with newscast production.
• Manages the production of daily news stories and the overall structure and quality of the newscast.
• Manages the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of assigned staff and student editorial employees; work in coordination with the production director and their team.
• Organizes schedules for student reporters, anchors, meteorologists, producers, and other contributors.
• Oversee the budget for assigned area.
• Directs student coverage of major events such as elections, high-profile sporting events, and other significant news stories.
• Assists students with internship placement and job opportunities in media and journalism.
• Maintains communication with university departments, external vendors, media partners, newsroom managers, and talent recruiters.
• Oversees the graphic design and visual presentation for the newscast and sports programming.
• May teach journalism courses and supervise associated labs and practicums.
• Establishes and maintains journalistic ethics and standards to ensure accurate, fair, and responsible reporting.
• Conducts regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to students and staff to foster professional growth.
• Coordinates with technical teams to ensure all broadcast and production equipment are functioning properly and up to date.
• Represent the department and participants on university committees or councils related to media, communications, or student affairs.
• Stays Current with Industry Trends and Technologies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, or a closely related field.

Experience: 5 years of professional experience in broadcast journalism, multimedia production, or a related media field.

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of broadcasting skills, techniques, procedures, and goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders, including staff, management, donors, students, and the public.
• Ability to speak in public.
• Strong time management, detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to think critically and synthesize complex data.
• Familiarity with digital media platforms, social media management, and current industry trend.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to mentor and develop students and staff.
• Proficient in using video editing software, newsroom systems, and content management tools.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects, manage schedules, and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and integrate new media tools.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and ethical standards under pressure.

Certifications: None.

Advertised Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in repetitive motions and communicate effectively. Requires frequent use of computers, video, and audio production equipment. May involve irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, especially during live broadcasts or special event coverage. Occasional travel may be required for event coverage or professional development. Collaborative environment involving interaction with students, faculty, university staff, and external partners. Fast-paced setting with multiple deadlines and simultaneous projects.

Supervision: Staff and student employees

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.