Manager, News and Current Affairs

Thinkentertainmentjobs; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit is seeking a Manager of News and Current Affairs to lead the editorial direction and daily operations of WDET's newsroom. The role requires guiding coverage across broadcast, digital, podcasts, and social platforms while upholding public service journalism standards.

The successful candidate will coach reporters and editors, partner with NPR and other programs, and develop strategies to grow audience engagement and impact in a multi-platform environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years in news or public media with leadership experience.
• Experience managing NPR-style programming, digital content, and audience engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily editorial planning and newsroom operations.
• Provide oversight for WDET's daily current affairs program.
• Oversee department administration, reporting and strategy setting.
• Coach reporters, editors and interns to maintain editorial standards.
• Collaborate with digital and production teams for multi-platform content.
• Engage with partners to shape coverage around elections and major events.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Newsroom management

Editorial strategy

Analytics literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Analytics platforms

SEO basics

Job description

Manager, News and Current Affairs

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Manager, News and Current Affairs at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties)

Job Purpose

The Manager of News and Current Affairs is responsible for the editorial leadership, strategic direction and daily operations of WDET's News and Current Affairs department.

Reporting to the Program Director, this position leads an integrated newsroom that produces journalism and conversations across broadcast, digital, podcasts, video, photography and social platforms. The Manager oversees WDET's flagship daily current affairs program, coaches reporters, editors and interns, develops editorial strategy, and builds the systems and culture necessary to deliver impactful public service journalism.

The successful candidate understands that local journalism today is measured not simply by the stories we produce, but by the value those stories create for our communities. They recognize that audiences consume journalism across many platforms and are committed to meeting people where they are while upholding the highest standards of editorial excellence.

This leader is a coach, collaborator and change agent who combines exceptional news judgement with strong organizational leadership, data-informed decision making and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Essential Functions (Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)

• Lead daily editorial planning and newsroom operations. Set coverage priorities that reflect WDET's public service mission.
• Provide editorial oversight and leadership for WDET's daily current affairs program.
• Department administration, reporting, strategy setting.
• Reviewing and editing content for accuracy, fairness, clarity and impact.
• Work closely with digital and production teams to ensure news and current affairs content is developed intentionally for each platform.
• Liaise with NPR, MPRN, and other news and programming partners as required.
• Conceive and develop special coverage for elections, major events, etc.
• Work closely with membership and events teams to develop fundraising strategies that help cultivate and engage members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, Broadcasting, Digital Media, Political Science, Public Policy, English, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Experience

Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years experience)

• Experience working in a National Public Radio (NPR) member station or public media organization is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience managing news and current affairs programming, podcast production, digital journalism, audience engagement, video storytelling, elections coverage, special programming, breaking news, and enterprise investigative or accountability reporting.
• Experience using analytics platforms to evaluate editorial performance and inform coverage priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of journalism ethics and editorial independence, including familiarity with NPR's editorial standards and ethics framework.
• Advanced editing and coaching skills across audio, digital and multimedia journalism.
• Understanding of audience development, analytics and performance measurement.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), digital publishing workflows and audience engagement strategies.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across editorial, digital, production, marketing and membership teams.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ability to create clear newsroom systems, expectations and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience with community-focused and responsive journalism.

School/College/Division

H72 - WDET

Primary department

H8703 - WDET (H8703)

Employment type

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

Working conditions

• Normal office environment.
• Some evening and weekends are required.

Background check requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.