Manager, News and Current Affairs

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Manager News and Current Affairs at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier public urban research university located in the heart of Detroit Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence collaboration integrity diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

JobPurpose

TheManager of News and Current Affairs is responsible for the editorialleadership strategic direction and daily operations of WDETs News and CurrentAffairs department.

Reportingto the Program Director this position leads an integrated newsroom thatproduces journalism and conversations across broadcast digital podcastsvideo photography and social platforms. The Manager oversees WDETs flagshipdaily current affairs program coaches reporters editors and interns developseditorial strategy and builds the systems and culture necessary to deliverimpactful public service journalism.

Thesuccessful candidate understands that local journalism today is measured notsimply by the stories we produce but by the value those stories create for ourcommunities. They recognize that audiences consume journalism across manyplatforms and are committed to meeting people where they are while upholdingthe highest standards of editorial excellence.

Thisleader is a coach collaborator and change agent who combines exceptional newsjudgment with strong organizational leadership data-informed decision makingand a commitment to continuous improvement.

EssentialFunctions
(Essentialfunctions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employeemust be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation. Theessential functions are listed in order of importance.)

• Lead daily editorial planning and newsroom operations. Set coverage priorities that reflect WDET s public service mission.
• Provide editorial oversight and leadership for WDETs daily current affairs program.
• Department administration reporting strategy setting.
• Reviewing and editing content for accuracy fairness clarity and impact.
• Work closely with digital and production teams to ensure news and current affairs content is developed intentionally for each platform.
• Liaise with NPR MPRN and other news and programming partners as required.
• Conceive and develop special coverage for elections major events etc.
• Work closely with membership and events teams to develop fundraising strategies that help cultivate and engage members.
• Perform other relatedduties as assigned.

Education Bachelors degree

• Bachelors degree in Journalism Communications Media Studies Broadcasting Digital Media Political Science Public Policy English or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Experience Expert (established subject matter expert 7 years experience)

• Experience working in a National Public Radio (NPR) member station or public media organization is strongly preferred.
• Direct experience managing news and current affairs programming podcast production digital journalism audience engagement video storytelling elections coverage special programming breaking news and enterprise investigative or accountability reporting.
• Experience using analytics platforms to evaluate editorial performance and inform coverage priorities.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLSAND ABILITIES

• Deep understanding of journalism ethics and editorial independence including familiarity with NPRs editorial standards and ethics framework.
• Advanced editing and coaching skills across audio digital and multimedia journalism.
• Understanding of audience development analytics and performance measurement.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) digital publishing workflows and audience engagement strategies.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across editorial digital production marketing and membership teams.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ability to create clear newsroom systems expectations and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience with community-focused and responsive journalism.

H72 - WDET

H8703 - WDET (H8703)

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

- Normal office environment.- Some evening and weekends are required.

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check including a criminal history check before starting work. If you are offered employment the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Required Experience:

Manager