Assistant News Director

Sinclair Broadcast Group; Nebraska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sinclair Broadcast Group is seeking a leader to oversee daily newscast production, ensuring high-quality journalism while mentoring staff. The role requires strong editorial judgment and leadership skills, focusing on impactful community journalism and effective coverage across platforms.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or a related field and prior newsroom leadership experience. A collaborative mindset and the ability to thrive in deadlines are essential. Submit your resume and cover letter via our career portal.

Qualifications

• Strong editorial judgment and passion for impactful journalism.
• Proven leadership ability with a focus on coaching and accountability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent writing and copy-editing skills with a conversational style.
• Deep understanding of multi-platform news delivery.
• Strong organizational skills to execute strategic coverage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily newscast production and editorial guidance.
• Lead breaking news and severe weather coverage.
• Work with News Director on newsroom vision and strategy.
• Develop enterprise content and elevate storytelling.
• Manage Assignment Desk to coordinate resources.

Skills

Editorial judgment

Leadership ability

Writing and copy-editing

Multi-platform news delivery

Organizational skills

Knowledge of journalistic ethics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field

Job description

This role is critical in driving daily editorial decisions, mentoring staff, and ensuring high-quality, compelling newscasts and digital content. You’ll work closely with the News Director and newsroom leaders to shape coverage, lead breaking news, and develop enterprise storytelling that holds the powerful accountable.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily newscast production, including script review, editorial guidance, and quality control.
• Aggressively lead breaking news and severe weather coverage, ensuring speed, accuracy, and impact.
• Work closely with the News Director to execute newsroom vision, strategy, and brand alignment.
• Identify, develop, and elevate daily and long-term enterprise content.
• Manage and support the Assignment Desk, coordinating coverage and newsroom resources.
• Oversee special projects and investigative initiatives that drive accountability reporting.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all platforms—broadcast, digital, and social.
• Coach, mentor, and develop producers, reporters, and MMJs to improve storytelling and performance.
• Collaborate with digital and social teams to ensure strong multi‑platform execution.
• Lead daily editorial meetings and help prioritize coverage that serves the community.

What We're Looking For

• Strong editorial judgment and a passion for impactful, community‑focused journalism.
• Proven leadership ability with a focus on coaching, accountability, and team development.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent writing and copy‑editing skills with a conversational, engaging style.
• Deep understanding of multi‑platform news delivery (broadcast, digital, and social).
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to execute strategic coverage plans.
• Knowledge of journalistic ethics, libel, and privacy laws.
• A collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset with a commitment to innovation.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or a related field preferred.
• Prior newsroom leadership experience (Executive Producer, Senior Producer, or similar role).
• Experience managing breaking news and leading daily editorial decision‑making.
• Background in enterprise or investigative storytelling is a strong plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your leadership philosophy and examples of impactful newsroom leadership via our career portal.

Sinclair is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.