News Director

NFCB; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Boise State Public Radio is seeking a News Director to supervise the Boise news department, assign and edit stories for newscasts, and plan feature and local coverage. The role oversees staff, collaborates with regional bureaus, and guides public affairs programming and digital distribution.

The position requires strong editorial judgment, leadership, and newsroom expertise, with a commitment to high journalistic standards and community service through noncommercial public broadcasting.

Qualifications

• Strong editorial judgment and news decision-making skills.
• Experience with digital news platforms and multimedia storytelling.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Directs the gathering and production of news for newscasts and long-form programs.
• Oversees day-to-day news department operations and long-range planning.
• Collaborates with regional news bureaus to include regional news.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises department personnel including staff, interns, and freelancers.
• Supports Boise State Public Radio’s public affairs programming and special election coverage.
• Develops and executes distribution of news through digital platforms.
• Develops annual strategic plan for the news department and manages fiscal direction.
• Ensures compliance with journalism ethics and legal/regulatory requirements.

Skills

Editorial judgment

News editing

Digital platforms

Multimedia storytelling

Writing and reporting

Leadership

Collaboration

News production

Media law & ethics

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree in Journalism or related field

Job description

Date Submitted: November 5, 2026
Job Title: News Director
Station: BSPR
Location: Boise, ID
Deadline to Apply: 12/2/26
Salary Range: $73,548 – $90,001

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The News Manager supervises all aspects of the Boise State Public Radio news department, including assigning and editing stories for newscasts, planning feature stories, and local news and public service programming.

This position is not eligible for a hybrid/remote work schedule.

This position is not eligible for VISA sponsorship.

Department Overview:

Boise State Public Radio is Idaho’s largest nonprofit, listener-supported NPR member station, reaching the region’s metropolitan and rural areas. Our radio network serves two-thirds of the population of Idaho through 28 transmitters & translators, as well as on digital platforms.

As the only sources of quality public radio news, classical music, jazz and unique cultural programming, our radio stations are distinct in their mission, their audience and their partnerships.

Level Scope:

Provides direct supervision typically to professionals or skilled technical employees at the entry or intermediate level. Functions as advisor to unit and administration and sets goals and objectives for team members for achievement of operational results. Analyzes and resolves problems through drawing from prior experiences. Interprets policies (e.g., fiscal management, HR, contracts and grants, resource management in defined areas) and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Supervises staff to ensure accountability and stewardship of campus resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Directs the gathering and production of news in the form of newscast material, features, spots, wraps, interviews and long-form radio programs for broadcast.
• Oversees day-to-day news department operations as well as long-range department planning, including assigning and editing full-time and part-time staff, ensuring that news issues are adequately addressed for Boise State Public Radio’s audience.
• Collaborates with the Mountain West News Bureau to include and provide news of regional interest.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises department personnel, including station reporters, full-time and part-time staff, students, interns, volunteers, and freelancers.
• Supports and collaborates on Boise State Public Radio’s public affairs programming, including special election coverage, the local daily show Idaho Matters, and quarterly news series and related events.
• Works with other Boise State Public Radio staff to develop and execute the distribution of news through its digital platforms.
• Develops annual strategic plan for news department and oversees fiscal direction of news department under the advisement of Boise State Public Radio’s management.
• Ensures compliance with journalism ethics, university policies, and federal, state, and local regulations governing news coverage.
• Is responsible for creating and maintaining the Quarterly Issues and Programs report for the public file in accordance with FCC regulations.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned, including on-air fundraising efforts.
• Contribute reporting and hosting on an as-needed basis.
• Perform other duties when needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong editorial judgment and news decision-making skills.
• Multiple years of editing in a news environment.
• Experience with digital news platforms and multimedia storytelling.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in newsroom software and content management systems.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management abilities.
• Ability to collaborate and work with external news partners.
• Thorough understanding of news production processes.
• Strong understanding of media law and journalism ethics.
• Commitment to maintaining high journalistic standards.
• Ability to represent Boise State Public Radio in public engagement events.
• In addition to having a firm understanding of the community service role of noncommercial broadcast journalism, he or she must also have solid news judgment – the ability to determine which stories are most informative and the greatest value to the communities Boise State Public Radio serves.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 2 years’ experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Journalism or related field.
• 5 years’ experience.
• 2 years’ managerial experience.