Executive Reporter, KGUN

Scripps Media, Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

KGUN 9 is seeking a storyteller's storyteller to lead and elevate newsroom storytelling. You’ll coach reporters and MMJs, collaborating with leadership to shape a cohesive, authentic storytelling strategy across broadcast, digital, and social platforms.

You’ll mentor at all levels, ensure high journalistic standards, and drive editorial excellence while guiding workflows and cross-platform content. This role blends mentorship with hands-on storytelling leadership in a fast-paced newsroom.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of professional journalism or related leadership experience preferred.
• Experience leading projects, mentoring talent, and driving editorial excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and elevate storytelling skills across reporters and MMJs.
• Mentor and develop journalists at all levels through feedback and guidance.
• Collaborate with newsroom leadership on a cohesive content strategy.
• Oversee story writing and content development across broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
• Review content and provide timely, constructive feedback to drive improvement.
• Develop workflows and editorial processes supporting multiple news programs.
• Ensure reporting meets high journalistic and legal standards.
• Foster trust, accountability, and collaboration among staff.
• Identify innovative storytelling approaches to deepen audience engagement.
• Provide on-air and multi-platform coverage of breaking news as needed.

Skills

Storytelling leadership

Mentoring

Editorial judgment

Multiplatform storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Job description

At KGUN 9, we're looking for a storyteller's storyteller. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished journalist who is ready to take the next step from creating great stories to shaping the people who tell them. Part coach, part manager, part mentor, part researcher, and sometimes even photographer or videographer, you'll be the driving force behind elevating storytelling across our newsroom. You'll work alongside talented reporters and MMJs, helping them uncover deeper angles, strengthen their craft, and find new ways to connect with our community. If you're passionate about journalism, energized by developing others, and excited to lead through a transformational time in local news, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting impact on both our audience and the next generation of storytellers.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Lead and elevate the storytelling skills and capabilities of reporters and MMJs across the newsroom.
• Mentor, coach, and develop journalists at all experience levels through regular feedback and guidance.
• Collaborate with newsroom leadership to execute a cohesive content strategy centered on authentic, impactful storytelling.
• Oversee story writing and content development across broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
• Review content and provide timely, constructive feedback that drives continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement efficient workflows and editorial processes that support multiple news programs and platforms.
• Ensure all reporting and content meet high journalistic standards, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements.
• Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration among reporters, photographers, and newsroom staff.
• Identify innovative approaches to storytelling that deepen audience engagement and community connection.
• Provide on-air and multi-platform coverage of breaking news and major events as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Generally 7+ years of professional experience in journalism, reporting, content leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects, mentoring talent, or driving editorial excellence in a newsroom environment.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Proven expertise in compelling, impactful storytelling across multiple platforms.
• Strong editorial judgment and a thorough understanding of journalistic ethics, standards, and libel laws.
• Deep curiosity about the communities, issues, and events that shape local, national, and global conversations.
• A strong understanding of content strategy and audience engagement best practices.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced newsroom and make sound decisions under deadline pressure.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, early mornings, and holidays.

OUR TEAM:

At KGUN 9, you'll join a passionate team of journalists dedicated to serving Southern Arizona through trusted, community-focused reporting. We value collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, and we believe our best work happens when diverse perspectives come together. Our newsroom is filled with talented storytellers who support one another, embrace creativity, and share a commitment to journalistic excellence.

WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY:

Tucson offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventure. Nestled among stunning mountain ranges and surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, the city boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, exploring world-renowned national parks, enjoying local festivals, or dining at Tucson's celebrated restaurants, there's always something to discover. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson is known for its rich culinary heritage, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community spirit. With a lower cost of living than many major metropolitan areas and easy access to Phoenix, Mexico, and some of the Southwest's most iconic destinations, Tucson is a place where professional opportunity and quality of life come together.

#LI-SM2 #LI-Onsite

SCRIPPS' COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way." As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law.

Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way." As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law.

Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.