NEWS DIRECTOR - WHSV

GRAY MEDIA; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Relocation PTO

Job summary

WHSV-TV/Gray Media is seeking a News Director to lead the Shenandoah Valley newsroom with a strategic, coach-and-champion mindset. This role drives content across broadcast, digital, livestreaming and more, while building authentic community connections and a culture of accountability.

You will set vision, guide editorial standards, and oversee day-to-day operations, mentoring reporters, producers and anchors to excel under pressure and deliver trusted local news.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership with track record in newsroom settings.
• Digital fluency across social, web, and streaming platforms.
• Killer news judgment and ability to spot compelling stories.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear, forward-looking content strategy for broadcast and digital.
• Coach newsroom leaders and staff through hands-on mentorship.
• Drive digital-first storytelling to reach audiences on multiple platforms.

Skills

Leadership

Digital fluency

News judgment

Mentorship

Under pressure

Community engagement

Communication

Job description

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first- and/or second-highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 such markets measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 46 markets and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

We understand that life needs balance. That is why we offer our employees and eligible family members a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive Medical(Rx), Dental and Vision Coverage
• Health Savings Account with Company contributions
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer-paid life and disability benefits
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Adoption and Surrogacy Benefits
• 401(k) Plan, including matching and profit-sharing contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary benefits, including Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and supplemental life insurance coverage
• Paid Time Off, including Relocation PTO
• Focus on Caring

$65,000 - $68,000/yr.

Shift and Schedule:

Mon. - Fri. (or at the Manager's Discretion)

Job Type:

Full-Time

_______________________

Job Summary/Description:

Are you a visionary leader who knows "local news" means so much more than just the 6 PM broadcast? We’re looking for a News Director at WHSV who is equal parts strategist, coach, and champion for great journalism. This isn't a "sit in the office" kind of role. It's for a leader who loves developing people, setting a clear vision, and pushing storytelling forward across broadcast, digital, livestreaming, and whatever comes next. Can you inspire a team to own the big story on every screen while keeping a deep, authentic connection to the Shenandoah Valley?

Duties/Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Set the vision: Establish a clear, forward-looking content strategy that wins across broadcast, digital, and livestream platforms, ensuring WHSV remains the most trusted source in the region.
• Coach and champion: Lead and develop newsroom leaders and staff through hands-on coaching and mentorship, building a high-performing team that’s ready for the next level.
• Own the digital-first mindset: Drive innovative approaches to storytelling, making sure our content hits the right audience on the right platform at the right time (because news doesn't wait for a timeslot).
• Maintain editorial excellence: Set and uphold newsroom standards focused on accuracy, relevance, and community impact, ensuring every story meets the high bar our viewers expect.
• Lead day-to-day operations: Oversee all aspects of newsgathering and distribution, making swift, authoritative editorial decisions when the pressure is on.
• Collaborate for success: Work closely with the General Manager, station and company leadership to align editorial goals with the overall business strategy.
• Foster a winning culture: Build a positive, accountable newsroom environment where people feel supported, inspired, and empowered to do their best work.
• Connect with our community: Build authentic relationships with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure our coverage reflects the real issues that matter most to the Valley.
• Own the newsroom workflow: Dynamically schedule the right storytellers in the right places at the right times to dominate our multi-platform coverage.
• Budget the department: Partner with the General Manager to build a strategic, forward-thinking news budget, and aggressively manage year-round department expenses to ensure we are investing where it matters most for our team and our audience.

Qualification/Requirements:

• Proven leadership: You have at least two years of experience as a News Director (or a high-level newsroom leader) with a track record of winning.
• Digital fluency: You don't just "understand" digital; you live it. You know how to leverage social, web, and streaming to grow an audience.
• Killer news judgment: You can spot a great story from a mile away and know exactly how to showcase it for maximum impact.
• A teacher’s heart: You take pride in seeing your reporters, producers, and anchors grow and succeed under your guidance.
• Cool under fire: When breaking news hits, you’re the calmest person in the room, making smart logistical and journalistic calls on the fly.
• Community passion: You understand the unique role a local station plays and are eager to dive deep into the Harrisonburg community.
• Communication skills: You can articulate a vision clearly and provide feedback that is both direct and encouraging.

WHSV-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.