Newsroom Assignment Coordinator (NJ PBS)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Montclair State University is seeking an Assignment Coordinator to serve as the real-time nerve center of the NJ PBS newsroom. You will coordinate crew and equipment, monitor breaking news, schedule journalists, and maintain source networks across platforms.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with at least three years on an assignment desk, strong news judgment, and the ability to manage multiple live stories. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• At least three years of demonstrated assignment desk experience in broadcast or digital daily newsroom operations, including managing breaking news, crew scheduling, and assignment coordination.
• Strong news judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent field assignments in a live news environment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Monitor social media and wire services for breaking news and developing stories.
• Assign reporters and photojournalists to stories based on availability, location, and editorial priorities.
• Manage crew scheduling and equipment deployment, ensuring adequate coverage for all assigned stories.
• Maintain the assignment log and daily story list, updating it throughout the day as stories develop.
• Coordinate live shot logistics, including satellite truck positioning, microwave paths, and IP‑based live connections.
• Assist producers with rundown planning by providing real-time updates on story status and crew availability.
• Develop and maintain news contacts and sources.
• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.

Skills

News judgment

Live newsroom coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Summary

Reporting to the News Director, the Assignment Coordinator is the real‑time nerve center of the NJ PBS newsroom, managing the daily assignment workflow. The Assignment Coordinator coordinates crew and equipment assignments, monitors police/fire scanners and social media for breaking news, and maintains journalist and photographer scheduling. This position also develops and maintains news relationships, contacts and sources, gathers editorial information on breaking news and developing stories, books interviews and guests for programs and platforms, manages planning for future story and events coverage, and serves as a central communication hub between the News Director, anchor, reporters, producers, photojournalists, and editors.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor social media and wire services for breaking news and developing stories.
• Assign reporters and photojournalists to stories based on availability, location, and editorial priorities.
• Manage crew scheduling and equipment deployment, ensuring adequate coverage for all assigned stories.
• Maintain the assignment log and daily story list, updating it throughout the day as stories develop.
• Ensure that all platforms are considered when making story assignments, shooting news coverage, and producing content to maximize the value of the material gathered for all platforms.
• Communicate with field crews via phone and two‑way radio, relaying updates and coordinating logistics.
• Coordinate live shot logistics, including satellite truck positioning, microwave paths, and IP‑based live connections.
• Assist producers with rundown planning by providing real‑time updates on story status and crew availability.
• Maintain contact databases for emergency services, government offices, and community organizations.
• Contribute ideas and story pitches to editorial meetings.
• Develop and maintain news contacts and sources.
• Manage planning for future story and events coverage.
• Monitor competitor content and flag gaps in coverage.
• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• At least three years of demonstrated assignment desk experience in broadcast or digital daily newsroom operations, including managing breaking news, crew scheduling, and assignment coordination.
• Strong news judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent field assignments in a live news environment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Prior assignment desk experience at a television or digital daily news organization.
• Knowledge of New Jersey geography, government, and public safety agencies.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Salary and Benefits

$75,000.00 – $85,000.00 annually. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

Department and Position Type

Department: NJ PBS
Position Type: Administrative

Contact Information

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973‑655‑5000 (Option 2), or email [e-mail].

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of educational programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of educational programs and activities extends to admission and employment.