Senior Director of News, WKBW

Scripps Media, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical, dental and vision

Retirement savings plan with company 2

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

WKBW, the E.W. Scripps ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, is seeking a Senior Director of News to lead our newsroom and advance journalism excellence across platforms. You will oversee strategy, content, and staff to grow audiences and deliver community-focused reporting that matters to Western New York.

Ideal candidates bring at least 5 years of news management experience, a journalism background, and a proven ability to foster innovation, collaboration, and trust with partners and viewers.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of news management experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations.
• Develop and implement measurable strategies for audience growth while effectively managing news content delivered across multiple platforms.
• Communicate a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy.
• Analyze and respond to trends affecting the industry and DMA.
• Approve all newsroom personnel decisions.
• Develop and control the annual budget in compliance with station guidelines.
• Build and maintain key relationships to foster a positive news image within the Buffalo and Western New York community.
• Monitor all on-air and online products for compliance with laws and standards.

Skills

News leadership

Strategic planning

Audience growth

Budget management

Stakeholder relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Job description

Senior Director of News, WKBW

Are you a proven news leader ready to elevate one of the most dynamic newsrooms in Western New York? WKBW, The E.W. Scripps ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, is seeking an experienced Senior Director of News to lead our newsroom and drive continued audience growth and journalistic excellence. This is your opportunity to lead a talented team of journalists committed to delivering critical community journalism that serves Buffalo and Western New York. We're looking for a visionary leader who can inspire compelling storytelling, foster innovation, and navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape. If you're passionate about quality local journalism, digital innovation, developing great people, and building a positive, hard‑charging newsroom culture, we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Create and implement strategic plans for audience growth and newsroom operations.
• Develop and implement measurable strategies for audience growth while effectively managing news content delivered across multiple platforms.
• Communicate a compelling and inspired vision consistent with company strategy.
• Analyze and respond to trends affecting the industry and DMA.
• Approve all newsroom personnel decisions.
• Develop and control the annual budget in compliance with station guidelines.
• Build and maintain key relationships to foster a positive news image within the Buffalo and Western New York community.
• Monitor all on‑air and online products for compliance with federal, state and local laws as well as First and Fourteenth Amendment requirements.
• Work closely with other members of the station management team to develop and attain departmental and station goals.
• Maintain knowledge of and proficiency in posting content to station websites.
• Adapt current resources to emerging technology.
• Supervise and provide regular feedback and yearly performance appraisals for direct reports, with ultimate responsibility for all newsroom personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• At least 5 years of news management experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication or a related field preferred.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Demonstrated ability to track and select trending news stories.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and make sound decisions in a rapid, fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Strong editorial judgment and knowledge of journalistic ethics and libel laws.
• Ability to create tactics and strategies to increase audience performance in key target areas across multiple platforms.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws impacting operations.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Effectiveness in a variety of formal presentation settings, both inside and outside the organization.
• Proven and effective leadership skills, including fostering open dialogue, empowering others, and addressing conflict quickly and directly.

WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Buffalo, New York offers the energy and amenities of a major city with the accessibility and strong sense of community that make Western New York a distinctive place to call home. Located along the shores of Lake Erie and just a short drive from Niagara Falls, Buffalo combines rich history and architecture with professional sports, arts and culture, a vibrant food scene, and year‑round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Western New York is known for its passionate communities and strong local identity. From Buffalo's neighborhoods and waterfront to the surrounding communities of Western New York, the region offers plenty to explore. Whether you're taking in a Bills or Sabres game, experiencing the area's festivals and cultural attractions, exploring the waterfront, or making a quick trip to Niagara Falls, Buffalo offers a combination of big‑city experiences and a welcoming community atmosphere. For a news leader, Buffalo is a market where local journalism matters. At WKBW, you'll lead a newsroom focused on delivering important, relevant community journalism to audiences across Buffalo and Western New York while helping shape how that journalism reaches viewers across platforms. WKBW is Scripps' ABC affiliate in Buffalo.

COMPENSATION RANGE

Annual Salary: $135,000.00 - $155,000.00 Pursuant to state and local salary transparency laws, the salary range posted is specific to candidates who will perform this work in New York.

WHAT WE OFFER (ADDITIONAL BENEFITS)

• A career path to grow your professional experiences
• Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program
• More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.

If you are a current Scripps employee, please do not apply on this site. Please access our internal career site at Worklife > My Info > View Open Positions at Scripps.

SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve.We are intentional about creating anenvironmentwhereemployees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspiredto reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.

ABOUT SCRIPPS

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way." As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: "Give light and the people will find their own way." As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.