Strategic News Director - Multi-Platform Leader

Tegna; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Fertility assistance

Surrogacy assistance

Adoption assistance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Teladoc access

Spring Health therapy

Job summary

TEGNA's WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids seeks a strategic News Director to oversee all multi-platform content operations. Lead daypart teams, guide editorial priorities, and drive enterprise reporting that serves West Michigan communities.

Champion data-driven decisions and talent development while maintaining high newsroom standards across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms. The role requires 5–7 years of leadership in a fast-paced newsroom, strong writing, social media acumen, and excellence

Qualifications

• College degree in journalism, communications or related field
• 5–7 years of news experience with newsroom leadership
• Ability to oversee and produce engaging, urgent, high-value newscasts
• Strong writing skills; experience with special programming is a plus
• Solid social media skills and understanding of audience engagement
• Experience with shooting, editing and content management systems
• Strong understanding of professional journalism principles
• Organizational skills for fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Responsibilities

• Lead all daypart teams to create unique, impactful newscasts across broadcast, digital and streaming
• Coach and develop producers for engaging, authentic storytelling
• Coach reporters and anchors to connect with viewers
• Lead recruitment to build a diverse newsroom
• Guide daily and long-term coverage priorities in editorial process
• Use research and analytics to inform editorial decisions
• Collaborate with news leaders to maximize audience reach across platforms
• Oversee planning and execution of special projects and community initiatives
• Lead coverage of major breaking news and severe weather with urgency and accuracy
• Perform other tasks as required by the VP of Content for the region

Skills

News leadership

Storytelling

Editorial judgment

Audience engagement

Social media

Data analytics

Team development

Communication

Newsroom management

Education

Bachelor's in journalism or related field

Tools

CMS

Video editing

Job description

TEGNA's WZZM-TV in Grand Rapids seeks a strategic News Director to oversee all multi-platform content operations. Lead daypart teams, guide editorial priorities, and drive enterprise reporting that serves West Michigan communities.

Champion data-driven decisions and talent development while maintaining high newsroom standards across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms. The role requires 5–7 years of leadership in a fast-paced newsroom, strong writing, social media acumen, and excellence