News Director

News Director

Arizona Public Media (AZPM) is seeking a visionary News Director to lead its award-winning, multiplatform newsroom in Southern Arizona. This is a unique opportunity to re-imagine public-service journalism in a region renowned for its vibrant communities, scientific innovation, and environmental significance. Backed by the resources of a world-class university and positioned in a dynamic, bilingual market, AZPM is poised for bold growth in digital storytelling, community engagement, and investigative reporting.

Reporting to the Chief Original Content Officer, the News Director will set the editorial vision for all AZPM news content across television, radio, digital, and emerging platforms. This role oversees a team of approximately twenty full-time journalists, student fellows, and freelance contributors, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and welcoming newsroom culture.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA / ASU / NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities

• Shaping and executing the editorial agenda to inform and inspire various audiences.
• Leading, mentoring, and coaching a talented reporting and production team.
• Piloting new storytelling formats such as podcasts and web-first series and encouraging experimentation.
• Serving as AZPM's primary editorial spokesperson, upholding credibility, transparency, and compliance with industry standards and policies.
• Managing daily news operations with creativity, consistency, and journalistic integrity.
• Adhering to AZPM's Code of Editorial Ethics and Practices and AZPM's Editorial Standards.
• Developing local news programming and enterprise stories.
• Working closely with the leadership in development and execution of content for AZPM's television and radio journalism.
• Collaborating with other departments to coordinate news content across platforms, including azpm.org, YouTube, and other social meeting platforms.
• Working with leadership to develop and execute regular, meaningful, and engaging news events throughout Southern Arizona including town halls, debates, community forums, and listening sessions.
• Overseeing development and maintenance of web, and social media-based news content. Partner with AZPM leadership team in the ideation and development of content that aligns to the strategic goals.
• Continuing to identify more effective and efficient approaches to operations and processes throughout the content production team.
• Establishing and maintaining an innovative and highly collaborative atmosphere that promotes idea generation, open communication, respect for others, and excellence.
• Recruiting, developing, and retaining a strong team, including on-air talent; providing guidance and coaching to maximize their performance and accelerate their professional growth.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications