News Director

TDS Telecommunications Corporation; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Vacation & Sick Leave

Seven Paid National Holidays & One Flo

Paid Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Paid Volunteer Time

Job summary

Zolo Broadcasting LLC, a TDS Telecom company, operates KOHD-TV the ABC affiliate and CO TV networks in Central Oregon. The News Director will set strategy and oversee local content development for Bend’s Central Oregon viewing area, directing daily news and lifestyle programming.

Responsibilities include leading editorial meetings, managing staff, coordinating live and recorded programs, and ensuring deadlines and brand goals are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or 4+ years professional work experience).
• 4+ years anchoring, producing/assistant news directing, or similar in a local television environment.
• Journalism or reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Sets direction and manages the process of producing news, information and lifestyle programming.
• Lead daily content gathering and editorial meetings; coach staff for excellent execution.
• Researches and fact-checks stories; uses FOIA requests when needed.
• Oversees department budget and resources; leads breaking news coverage.
• Develops a wide local network and maintains relationships for information access.
• Oversees hiring and development of news personnel (producers, anchors, reporters, etc.).

Skills

News management

Journalism experience

Strong news judgement

Communication skills

FOIA knowledge

Deadline-driven

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Overview

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

The News Director sets the strategy and oversees the development of local content, including all personnel associated with the daily creation of news, information, and lifestyle programming within the Central Oregon viewing area.

Responsibilities

• Sets direction and manages the process of producing news, information and lifestyle programming. Responsibilities include:
  • Lead and manage daily content gathering, which includes running the daily editorial meeting, assigning stories that support the brand position and target audience goals, & coaching associated staff toward excellent execution in all aspects of the final product.
  • Researches and fact‑checks news stories for credibility and utilizes the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request process.
  • Manages department budget and resources required to deliver on approved projects.
  • Leads breaking news coverage.
  • Motivates the team to create engaging content and meet deadlines.
  • Champions for multi‑platform content and manages the flow, including social media and web applications.
  • Develops an extensive network of contacts within the local market to ensure professional relationships and access to information of importance to the local community.
  • Interacts daily with all department heads in a mutual effort to achieve station goals and extend the brand.
  • Perform other duties as needed on a daily basis such as assignment managing, writing, producing, reporting and anchoring.
  • Manages the writing and production of on‑air spots to promote new content.
  • Public speaking and appearances at local business, government and society events in support of the brand and spread awareness of the content.
• Oversees the development of all local program content. Works closely withthe Production Manager to ensure appropriate level of personnel to meet production deadlines for live and recorded programs.
• Responsible for hiring and ongoing development of news and content personnel, including producers, associate producers, anchors, reporters, videographer/editors.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 4+ years experience in anchoring, producing/assistant news directing, or similar in a local television environment.

Other Qualifications

• Journalism/reporting experience.
• News management experience preferred.
• Solid news judgement.
• Understands where to focus energy and how to produce stories under pressure/deadlines.
• Able to handle last minute changes.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Computer assisted reporting experience.
• Understanding of the FOIA request process.
• Able to manage personnel issues with complete confidence and professionalism.
• Well-read and knowledgeable in current events and news.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well‑being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well‑being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Zolo Broadcasting LLC, a TDS Telecom company, operates KOHD-TV the ABC affiliate, KBNZ-LP the CBS affiliate, COTV11 and CO4 Visitors Network as Zolo Media, offering a wide range of viewing options for Central Oregonians.

Zolo Media provides targeted advertising solutions through a combination of locally originated content, local broadcast television stations, and on Bend and Crestview cable television networks. Visitzolomedia.comorrecentraloregondaily.com.

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the diversity of our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)

$84,700.00/Yr. - $137,700.00/Yr.