News Director

AAJA25; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Hearst Television is seeking an experienced News Director to guide trusted daily news execution across all platforms. You will lead a nationally recognized team, drive breaking news coverage, and forecast weather impacts while championing community service.

The role emphasizes coaching journalists, managing budgets, and fostering collaboration to advance local journalism and newsroom innovation. In-person attendance is required.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of broadcast journalism experience with at least five years in newsroom leadership.
• Experience mentoring news staff.
• Ability to implement strategic content initiatives with measurable growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead robust editorial planning and execution for 24/7 news operation across all platforms.
• Recruit impactful journalists and coach editorial team.
• Foster a culture of innovation to define high-impact projects for emerging platforms.
• Effectively plan and manage department budget.
• Develop and execute long-range news operation strategy.
• Collaborate with other department heads on major station initiatives.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Broadcast journalism

Mentoring staff

Strategic content initiatives

Job description

KCRA 3, the news leader in Northern California and a Hearst Television station, has an opening for an experienced and dynamic News Director. Our next newsroom leader will have the experience to guide trusted daily news execution and demonstrate a collaborative leadership style to inspire our nationally-recognized team of journalists. You will lead our team to execute market-leading breaking news coverage, forecasting that helps the audience plan for incoming weather, plus community service on all platforms. We are looking for a multifaceted leader who understands what makes great local journalism and is energized by finding innovative ways to reach and engage audiences across linear, digital and emerging platforms.

A key part of this role is investing in our people, coaching and developing journalists and newsroom leaders, fostering collaboration and accountability, and creating an environment where talented people can grow, innovate and do their best work. The News Director will also oversee special projects and documentary work while helping drive newsroom innovation and the continued evolution of our journalism.

With KCRA 3’s strong legacy, talented team and the resources of Hearst Television, this is a rare opportunity to lead one of the best newsrooms in the country and help shape its next chapter. You will report to the President & General Manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead robust editorial planning and execution for 24/7 news operation across all platforms
• Recruit impactful journalists and coach editorial team
• Foster a culture of innovation to define high-impact projects for emerging platforms
• Effectively plan and manage department budget
• Develop and execute long-range news operation strategy
• Collaborate with other department heads on major station initiatives

Requirements

• At least 10 years of broadcast journalism experience with at least five years in newsroom leadership
• Experience mentoring news staff
• Can demonstrate clear examples of implementing strategic content initiatives with measurable results of growth
• Experience managing several hours of daily newscastsli>
• Exhibit unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
• Have a valid driver's license
• Related military experience will be considered
• Bilingual experience is a plus
• In-person attendance is required

The estimated base salary range for this role is between $175,000and $200,000.The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, market demands and conditions, including geographic location where the work will be performed, and other factors permitted by law. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Paid Time Off
• LGBTQ+ Health Services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs