Manager, News and Current Affairs

WDET; Detroit, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit is seeking an experienced Manager, News and Current Affairs to provide editorial leadership, strategic direction, and daily oversight of WDET’s News and Current Affairs. This role reports to the Program Director and leads an integrated newsroom across broadcast, digital, podcasts, video, photography and social platforms.

The successful candidate will coach reporters and editors, develop strategy, and build systems to deliver high-impact public service

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years experience; NPR/public media preferred.
• Experience with analytics to evaluate editorial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily editorial planning and newsroom operations.
• Provide editorial oversight for the daily current affairs program.
• Review content for accuracy, fairness, clarity and impact.
• Collaborate with digital and production teams to tailor content for each platform.
• Liaise with NPR, MPRN, and other partners as required.
• Develop special coverage for elections and major events.
• Work with membership and events teams to develop fundraising strategies.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Coaching reporters

Data-informed decisions

Organizational leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field

Tools

Analytics platforms

Job description

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedManager, News and Current Affairsat 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 judgment 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.
• 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:

• 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:

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.