ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR - WCAX

WCAX; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) with matching

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

WCAX, Vermont's leading news station, is seeking an Assistant News Director to lead the newsroom operations. Candidates should possess strong editorial judgment, a solid understanding of newsroom principles, and experience in directing breaking-news coverage. This role involves supervising various news personnel, planning daily news segments, and implementing digital strategies. The position offers a competitive salary of $70,000 – $80,000 along with comprehensive health benefits and paid leave.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of newsroom leadership experience (EP/Managing Editor/Asst ND).
• Proven skills to direct breaking-news coverage on all platforms.
• Preferred: 2 years experience as an EP or senior producer.

Responsibilities

• Supervise reporters, anchors, photographers, and producers.
• Plan and direct daily news coverage across all shows and social media platforms.
• Guide, support, and inspire producers, anchors, and reporters.

Skills

Editorial judgment

Strong writing and storytelling

Team motivation and leadership

Knowledge of digital content distribution

Crisis management

Understanding of rundown systems

Job description

Job Summary

WCAX, Vermont’s leading news station, is looking for an aggressive, results‑driven news leader to serve as our Assistant News Director. The successful candidate will bring editorial judgment, day‑to‑day newsroom operational experience, and the ability to coach reporters while developing emerging digital strategies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise reporters, anchors, photographers, and producers.
• Plan and direct daily news coverage across all shows and social media platforms.
• Review scripts and rundowns.
• Maintain newsroom standards and accountability.
• Work with the digital content manager to distribute news fast on all platforms.
• Work with the assignment manager to develop story ideas, plan for future news events, and anticipate coverage needs.

Qualifications

• Excellent editorial judgment, strong writing and storytelling ability, firm grasp of newsroom principles and journalism ethics, and the ability to teach best practices to staff.
• Ability to direct breaking‑news coverage on all platforms and champion the First Alert weather strategy.
• Solid understanding of current platforms, distribution of content, and commitment to a digital‑first strategy.
• Ability to guide, support, and inspire producers, anchors, and reporters.
• Capability to motivate the team while holding those you lead accountable.
• Understanding of basic rundown systems (ENPS), digital CMS, live production basics, field workflows, and modern video formats.
• Ability to deliver clear decisions and directions in a high‑stress environment.
• 3+ years newsroom leadership experience (EP/Managing Editor/Asst ND).
• Proven skills to direct breaking‑news coverage on all platforms.
• Preferred: 2 years experience as an EP or senior producer.

Benefits

Competitive salary: $70,000 – $80,000 per year. Additional benefits include comprehensive medical (Rx), dental, vision coverage, HSA with company contributions, FSA, employer‑paid life and disability benefits, paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy benefits, 401(k) with matching and profit‑sharing, employee assistance program, voluntary hospital and critical illness coverages, paid time off, and relocation PTO.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. The company complies with applicable state and local nondiscrimination laws. Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on protected characteristics. Improper interference with the ability of employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.