Director, News & Public/Cultural Affairs - Wyoming Public Media

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities. We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives .

JOB TITLE:

Director, News and Public/Cultural Affairs

JOB PURPOSE:

Lead the multimedia operations consisting of statewide news reporting, public and cultural affairs, digital and podcast productions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensure that the journalistic integrity of Wyoming Public Media journalism meets the mission, vision, and standards established by the network. Address completeness, accuracy, fairness, and balance in all journalistic work. Generate and maintain audience appeal through adherence to high content and production values.

Oversee the multimedia operation consisting of statewide news coverage, public and cultural affairs, digital and podcast productions that reflects WPM mission and meets management expectations.

Train and coach multi-media journalists in a way that reflects progress and builds professional confidence. Work with management to establish and articulate departmental and individual goals and ensure that they are met. Be able to host live on-air and to produce content as needed.

Develop regional and national content that supports WPM’s mission and vision to reach audiences in Wyoming and beyond. Collaborate with Managing Editor and Digital Director to ensure that WPM’s digital content is thoughtful and creative, project deadlines are met, and that WPM content is a strong player in the competitive digital programming markets.

Oversee WPM’s public affairs and civic engagement production to include newsmagazines, debates, weekly live programs. Act as organizer, producer and moderator as needed. Plan and oversee special event coverage, including, legislature, elections, and news specials. Encourage enthusiasm for the public forum and the opportunities it offers for strong public discourse and statewide participation.

Working with the Program Director and managers, oversee WPM’s cultural affairs reporting to highlight the cultural character of Wyoming, her artists and cultural organizations.

Monitor industry trends, technology, and the competitive environment. Seek out the competitive edge. Work with management to identify priorities, funding options, monetizing possibilities for WPM news and multi-media content.

Prepare and present reports, program information, and grant proposal narrative. Work with supervisor and GM to propose a news budgets and manage the expenditures.

Oversee WPM journalism partnerships with state, regional and national organizations. Mentor and encourage reporters to submit content to national and regional entities.

Participate in WPM’s Diversity initiatives including reporting on the Wind River Reservation, reflecting viewpoints of minority and underserved communities, and addressing diversity in thinking on general and controversial topics.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

Represent the network as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability
• Consistency
• Formal Presentation Skills
• Integrity
• Stress Tolerance
• Written Communication
• Coaching
• Delegating Responsibility
• Developing Organizational Talent
• Individual Leadership
• Sensitivity
• Quality Orientation

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:

The employee needs to readily be on-site to implement the variety of tasks associated with running the operation. Some flexibility is possible as approved.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field
• Five years of upper-level journalistic management experience.
• Working knowledge of news-gathering equipment and its operation.
• Working knowledge of and associations in national public media organizations.
• Knowledge of issues of the West and Wyoming.
• Evidence of award-winning journalism work.
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy .

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of NPR news and national public radio news organizations.
• Ability to lead a department and handle diverse backgrounds and thought.
• Strong sense of journalistic balance and diverse perspectives in storytelling.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior management towards reaching strategic goals of Wyoming Public Media.
• Deep understanding and affinity for emerging technologies and their application to Journalism. Ability to train in these areas.
• Experience hosting programs, on-air fundraising, moderating on different platforms.
• Ability to direct staff based in multiple locations; experience working with statewide networks a plus.
• Ability to lead with maturity, empathy, and sense of humor.
• Affinity for beautiful summers, snowy winters, national parks (Yellowstone, Teton), and the lifestyle of the West. Affinity for travelling in vast territories.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, resume or C.V. and contact information for four work-related references. Please include MP3’s evidencing work. Can also include written samples, transcripts of stories and features. And include links. This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 10/18/2022 will receive full consideration.

HIRING STATEMENT:

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu .

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/