Manager, News and Current Affairs

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University’s Detroit campus seeks a Manager of News and Current Affairs to lead WDET’s editorial direction, oversee daily operations, and coach reporters across broadcast, digital, podcasts, and video platforms.

The role emphasizes strategic editorial leadership, audience development, and collaboration with NPR and partners, with a strong focus on public service journalism and innovative storytelling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years experience in news/public media preferred.
• Experience at NPR member station or public media is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily editorial planning and newsroom operations; set coverage priorities.
• Provide editorial oversight for WDET’s daily current affairs program.
• Department administration, reporting and strategy setting.
• Review and edit content for accuracy, fairness, clarity and impact.
• Collaborate with digital and production teams to tailor content per platform.
• Liaise with NPR, MPRN and other partners as required.
• Develop special coverage for elections and major events.
• Collaborate with membership and events teams for fundraising efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Coaching reporters

Newsroom operations

Analytics platforms

SEO & digital publishing

Audience engagement

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, Broadcasting, Digital Media, Political Science, Public Policy, English, or related field

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):

JobPurpose

TheManager of News and Current Affairs is responsible for the editorialleadership, strategic direction and daily operations of WDET's News and CurrentAffairs department.

Reportingto the Program Director, this position leads an integrated newsroom thatproduces journalism and conversations across broadcast, digital, podcasts,video, photography and social platforms. The Manager oversees WDET's flagshipdaily current affairs program, coaches reporters, editors and interns, developseditorial strategy, and builds the systems and culture necessary to deliverimpactful public service journalism.

Thesuccessful candidate understands that local journalism today is measured notsimply by the stories we produce, but by the value those stories create for ourcommunities. They recognize that audiences consume journalism across manyplatforms and are committed to meeting people where they are while upholdingthe highest standards of editorial excellence.

Thisleader is a coach, collaborator and change agent who combines exceptional newsjudgment with strong organizational leadership, data-informed decision makingand a commitment to continuous improvement.

EssentialFunctions
(Essentialfunctions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employeemust be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. Theessential 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 relatedduties 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, SKILLSAND 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.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

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.