News Director

Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR), the nonprofit public media company of Western North Carolina, is searching for a News Director . The News Director sets strategic priorities and performance goals aligned to targeting the audience with tailored content across multiple platforms. They implement the strategic plan for news content and serve as the primary keeper and champion of BPR’s editorial integrity and independence standards. The News Director also serves as the primary news editor, ensuring all news content is accurate, ethical, engaging, and aligned with the NPR Code of Ethics for Journalists.

The News Director supervises 4-7 full-time news staff members, is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and reports directly to BPR’s CEO and General Manager.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Five (5) or more years of editorial leadership experience, with at least three (3) years in news management or applicable expertise.
• Three (3) or more years of experience leading digital journalism with a multi-platform mindset (web, audio, social), from planning through distribution.
• Three (3) or more years demonstrated experience editing short and long-form stories on radio and digital platforms.
• Proven ability to lead and develop news teams, fostering collaboration both within the newsroom and across departments.

Compensation

Annual salary range of $96,000-102,000 Depending on Experience

Benefits

Medical Insurance (80% paid), Dental Insurance (80% paid), Vision Insurance (80% paid), Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Match, Phone / Internet Stipend, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Culture

Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR)   exists to provide Western North Carolinians with a deeper understanding of one another and the world - by being an essential, independent source of trusted news and cultural content.

BPR is an   independent, nonprofit news and media organization   producing award-winning journalism and cultural programming that inspires, informs, connects, and reflects the people and places of Western North Carolina. Our two broadcast services and digital platforms reach more than 650,000 people across 14 Appalachian counties.

BPR’s blind initial screening process helps ensure fairness in hiring. Personal identifiers (such as name, gender, age, race, and educational institutions) are removed from initial materials so our review focuses only on each candidate’s skills and experience. This is one of the ways that we actively advance   diversity, equity, and inclusion   across our operations. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of traditionally underrepresented or underserved communities.

Responsibilities

What you’ll do at BPR

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Set BPR’s news agenda; plan daily and long-range coverage across digital and broadcast platforms, ensuring a digital-first approach that starts with audience needs and platform strengths.

Additional duties include :

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience

At least 5 years Leadership experience

Physically work in Asheville office (not remote)

Authorized to work in the US without sponsorship

Accept a background check to be performed

English

Knowledge in : Microsoft Office

Equal Opportunity Employer

Blue Ridge Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Blue Ridge Public Radio are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, generation, family or parental status, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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