News Director ($80K to $95K)

News Director, Washington Media

In-person role based in Wenatchee, WA

Expected compensation range : $80,000 to $95,000 DOE

Wick Communications is seeking a forward-thinking News Director to lead one of the most innovative new models in local journalism. You'll spearhead a truly multimedia local news operation in the heart of beautiful North Central Washington.

Successful candidates will bring an entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for producing impactful local journalism and a drive for exploring new audience engagement strategies that strengthen our community connection.

Our story

In October, The Wenatchee World, the paper of record for Wenatchee, WA for more than a century, acquired NCWLIFE, the community's top-notch television station. The region's two most prominent news organizations are now united under one umbrella and reimagining the future of local news together.

The organization now delivers content through multiple platforms : weekday morning and evening news programs, the two highest-trafficked websites in the area, a three-day print newspaper, eight regular newsletters, a daily podcast, a series of hosted and livestreamed events, and five regular magazines / specialty publications.

As News Director, you'll oversee all content operations and play a key role in developing the strategic vision for audience growth. This position will drive the integration of The Wenatchee World and NCWLIFE news teams, identify opportunities to expand coverage, and lead our evolution into a truly multimedia organization serving our communities in innovative ways.

Key duties :

• Strategically lead, inspire, and manage the news department, with a focus on owning breaking news, accountability, and lifestyle reporting. Will oversee a team of approx. 20 editors, reporters, photographers, video producers and show hosts.
• Drive training, professional development and support programs for staff.
• Develop and work within department budget and establish goals.
• Represent and advocate for the news and video production departments on Washington Media's leadership team. Collaborate with that team to develop marketing plans, establish ratings goals, and effectively achieve those markers.
• Direct editorial and production efforts for The Wenatchee World , Quincy Valley Post-Register , Douglas County Empire Press newspapers, as well as business and lifestyle magazines, and other specialty publications.
• Supervise all news programming for NCWLIFE's cable and streaming channels, including flagship morning and evening news programs.
• Skillfully use streaming video, podcasts, social media, newsletters, and SMS to research, discover and distribute content.
• Develop an audience and content analytics plan to ensure we're maximizing the impact of our news content.
• Grow and strengthen our subscriber base through production of quality, engaging news content.
• Coordinate the news involvement and production of public events, including our monthly townhall series.
• Represent the organization as a community leader and public ambassador.

About the area

Wenatchee is a beautiful small city at the foot of the Cascade Mountains in the center of Washington State, a few-hour drive from both Seattle and Spokane. Ranked as one of the best places to retire by Forbes, you'll experience unparalleled beauty and economic diversity. Known as the Apple Capital of the World for its robust agriculture industry, Wenatchee is near many outdoor recreation opportunities.

It's an area rich with opportunities for impactful news coverage and effective advertising development. Wenatchee is the area's healthcare and retail hub, and the seat for many municipal and regional services.

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