"Sports Director"

Hiring Department

TV Station

Job Description

Location: Columbia–Jefferson City, Missouri

Station: KOMU 8 (NBC/CW Affiliate)

Position Overview

KOMU 8 is seeking a dynamic Sports Director to lead our sports coverage across both broadcast and digital platforms.

KOMU 8 is a full-powered NBC and CW affiliate proudly owned by the University of Missouri, serving the Columbia–Jefferson City region—consistently ranked among the best places to live. From scenic parks and nature trails to vibrant local restaurants, Columbia offers a unique blend of outdoor charm and a thriving downtown.

As the only network-affiliated television station with a dual mission, KOMU 8 informs the public while serving as the premier training ground for future journalists through the prestigious Missouri School of Journalism. We’re deeply committed to supporting our community through year-round public service initiatives and believe in cultivating a workplace that attracts top talent.

Our sports coverage spans the University of Missouri, a proud member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with passionate fan engagement and high-profile collegiate athletics. We also deliver robust coverage of Mid-Missouri high school sports, spotlighting local athletes, rivalries, and community traditions that matter deeply to our viewers. Additionally, Columbia sits between two major professional sports markets—St. Louis to the east and Kansas City to the west—offering access to NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, and other top-tier sports franchises that energize our regional audience.

This is a high-impact leadership role that combines hands-on journalism, mentorship, strategic vision and collaboration with the Missouri School of Journalism and its newsrooms; The Columbia Missourian, KBIA, Vox, Missouri Business Alert. The ideal candidate is a compelling storyteller, a skilled multimedia journalist, and a leader who thrives in a fast-paced, community-driven newsroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Content Creation:
  • Write, shoot, edit, produce and present daily sportscasts, packages, and highlights
  • Produce and host weekly sports programming, including Mizzou Xtra
  • Produce and host weekly high school centric sports segments known as Friday Night Fever
  • Produce and host one time only special event programming
  • Deliver live reports from sporting events and breaking sports news
• Digital & Social Media:
  • Develop and execute digital-first sports coverage strategies
  • Maintain an active and engaging presence across social media platforms
  • Collaborate with digital staff to ensure timely updates and viewer interaction
• Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Supervise and guide student journalists from the Missouri School of Journalism
  • Provide hands-on training, feedback, and editorial oversight
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment
  • Collaborate with the newsrooms within the Missouri School of Journalism
• Community Engagement:
  • Build relationships with local teams, schools, and community organizations
  • Represent KOMU 8 at public events, speaking engagements, and outreach initiatives

Shift: 2:00pm-11:00pm, Monday-Friday. Weekends as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in sports anchoring/reporting at a local television station
  • Proven ability to write, shoot, and edit high-quality sports content
  • Strong digital and social media skills, with a track record of audience engagement
  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field preferred
  • Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills
  • Familiarity with Missouri sports landscape, or willingness to learn quickly
• Additional Requirements
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical standards
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Other duties as assigned

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience

Grade: GGS-MKT

University Title: Senior On-Air Talent Television

Application Materials

Resume, cover letter and a link to video portfolio of work.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.