WLS Assistant News Director

Assistant News Director - WLS-TV

ABC 7 Chicago is seeking an aggressive, enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated Assistant News Director who will supervise the daily operation of the newsroom and guide coverage across all platforms. Our Assistant News Director will execute the overall vision of delivering meaningful breaking news and impactful community-based stories in Chicago and will directly supervise executive producers and other news managers.

A successful candidate must have strong leadership skills, news judgment and thrives on creating content that stands out. You must also be familiar with the Chicago news market and be able to guide, coach and mentor our staff.

This position will report directly to the Vice President of News.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the daily operation of the newsroom and guide coverage across all platforms
• Collaborate closely with internal and external partners on all content, marketing and promotional strategies while implementing innovative tactics to be competitive in the Chicago market and grow audiences
• Lead news managers on all daily linear programming and digital and social news content; make operational decisions on content and logistics
• Responsible for all daily news coverage, including breaking news
• Supervise executive producers and other newsroom managers on both linear and non-linear news content and conflict resolution on any issues that arise in the newsroom
• Responsible for recruiting and hiring operational newsroom personnel in collaboration with VP of News.
• Oversee award-winning investigative unit and special projects

Basic Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate should have top market experience in a local news station, a proven record of ratings and digital success, strong leadership/mentoring skills and excellent news judgment
• Minimum of 5 years of local news management experience and major understanding of news content in the digital/social world
• Must be a strong leader with the ability to make decisions on daily content and logistics in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to excel in a demanding and ever-changing newsroom
• Detail-oriented with strong editorial and production skills with an understanding of the importance of marketing as it relates to daily coverage
• A keen understanding of which types of content and storytelling styles work best for various platforms
• Demonstrated ability work under deadline pressures and work in a rapid, fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be flexible with working hours and adaptable to change

Required Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred in Journalism) or equivalent work experience

Additional Information

Reporting Location – Chicago, IL
To apply, please log on to: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/ and search for Job ID: 859842BR
https://jobs.disneycareers.com/job/chicago/assistant-news-director-wls-chicago/391/19734236

About ABC Owned TV Stations:
Comprised of the Company’s international business units and various direct-to-consumer streaming services, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) aligns technology, media distribution and advertising sales into a single business segment to create and deliver personalized entertainment experiences to consumers around the world.

About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with WLS Television, Inc., which is part of a business segment we call ABC Owned TV Stations.

WLS Television, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.