About OPB
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB connects people through trusted journalism that is freely accessible to everyone. Guided by public service, we deliver in-depth, fact-driven coverage of politics, science and the environment, arts and culture, education and more. OPB shares stories and programs wherever people seek them: on opb.org, OPB Radio and TV, the OPB News app, social media, streaming video, podcasts, or our daily “First Look” and other email newsletters.
The Opportunity
OPB is facing an unprecedented regional need and opportunity to expand the depth and reach of our journalism. With an existing network of influence and partners embedded in communities across the region, OPB is building an infrastructure to support our own original storytelling and dynamic news ecosystems throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. We strive for delivery of highest-quality, trusted journalism and storytelling accessible to all, that enriches and strengthens communities. OPB is respected for its strong brand, loyal membership base and contributions to a compelling mission at a critical moment.
We seek a strategic and visionary leader with deep experience in journalism leadership and sharp instincts for innovation. This senior position, reporting to the Chief Content Officer, will lead the daily news agenda at OPB and play a key leadership role with other content leaders, ensuring the best management of people and the creation of impactful stories.
This position oversees a team of 30+ editors and reporters, working with them to be a leader in breaking news, explanatory and accountability journalism, deeply reported feature-length stories, and newscast material that align with OPB’s news mission. By working collaboratively with the Audience and Programming team, they will ensure that OPB’s multimedia content lives across platforms. The News Director partners with the CCO and CEO to execute strategy and lead the conversation in news and public affairs for the Pacific Northwest, and they will play a pivotal role in expanding OPB’s coverage of the vital topics that shape our communities.
This inspirational leader should have a strong record of nurturing talent and understand how to reflect the rich diversity of communities we serve. They also should have demonstrated success in reaching new audiences and connecting with people who might not otherwise encounter OPB, as we continue to serve those who have been loyal audiences for many years.
Based in Portland, Oregon, this leader will be on-site at OPB headquarters in Portland most of the week supporting high-performing, dynamic and creative teams across the region, and collaborating with partners across the organization. We seek a news director who can lead with clarity, compassion and courage. This leader should understand all that OPB already represents to our community – and all that we can be in the years ahead.
Details and Position Responsibilities
This leader is a creative thinker who thrives in a collaborative environment. The News Director will help transform OPB into a digital-first organization that will continue serving our audiences.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with the Chief Content Officer and Content Leaders in executing OPB’s journalism vision to lead and strengthen the news and public affairs ecosystem in service to communities across our region.
- Lead, manage and inspire a team of 30+ editors and reporters covering Oregon and Southwest Washington, elevating high-performing and collaborative news teams that embrace public service, the future of journalism, and audiences’ fast-changing needs.
- Uphold the highest standards of journalism ethics and excellence, including accuracy, fairness and transparency, as well as nuanced storytelling that captures the complexities of our region and the world around us.
- Set the daily news agenda across platforms and ensure the development of stories throughout the day.
- Innovate on storytelling formats and delivery to inform, engage and delight existing audiences and reach new ones.
- Maximize the power of our storytelling to serve audiences across platforms and formats.
- Nurture and develop talented staff and foster a culture of accountability, curiosity and inclusion.
- Lead with empathy and clarity while building strong relationships across the organization.
- Interact with members of the public to build transparency and trust, and to communicate the impact of our journalism.
- Elevate voices and views across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Working Conditions: Working conditions are generally within the typical office environment in the Portland office. Occasionally, working evenings, weekends and holidays may be required, along with some travel around the region and nationally for conferences.
Reports to: Senior Vice President & Chief Content Officer
Minimum Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):
- 10 or more years professional journalism experience, including an established record of driving excellence and sustainability in a fast-paced, dynamic newsroom.
- Excellent news judgment and demonstrated ability to set and maintain an editorial agenda as a key manager in the newsroom.
- Highly skilled in organizational management, with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop high-performing teams, and set and achieve role clarity and strategic objectives while fostering an inclusive culture.
- Demonstrated ability to support producers, reporters and editors to create their most compelling, creative, and journalistically important work.
- Demonstrated ability to watch the future trends of media and be able to create new ways of working to adapt to the changing media environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead groups to new ways of collaborative working
- Demonstrated ability to meet and enforce deadlines.
- Exceptional time management, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Enthusiasm for the mission and values of OPB and for the role of public media in a changing journalism environment.
- Knowledge of major stories and issues in the Northwest.
The probable hiring range for this benefits-eligible, exempt position is between $150,000 and $175,000 annually, depending on qualifications.
Application
URL Media is leading the search for this position. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter at this link.
