Director of News

Job Description

Job Purpose: 

The Director, News is responsible for overseeing and leading the newsroom to deliver high-quality, accurate, and timely news content across various platforms. The role holder will lead a team of journalists, producers, and editors to create compelling news stories that engage the target audience.

Core Responsibilities:

 

News and Content Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with the organization's business objectives.
• Create and manage a detailed content calendar to ensure a consistent flow of high-quality content.
• Identify and leverage the most effective channels to distribute content (e.g., social media, email, website, print).
• Track and analyze content performance using key metrics (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement, email open rates).
• Oversee the development of engaging and high-quality content, including scripts, storyboards, and shooting schedules.

 

Editorial Judgement:

• Ensure all content is accurate, up-to-date, and free of errors.
• Verify the credibility and reliability of sources.
• Ensure that content is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
• Ensure that all content aligns with the organization's brand guidelines and messaging.
• Protect and enhance the firms media’s brand reputation through high-quality content.

 

Broadcasting and Production Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive broadcasting and production strategy aligned with the organization's overall goals.
• Identify emerging trends and technologies in the industry and develop strategies to leverage them.

• Set clear goals and objectives for the production team and monitor progress.
• Oversee the daily news production process, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of news content.
• Manage newsgathering efforts, including assigning stories, coordinating with reporters, and reviewing content.
• Monitor and analyze news consumption patterns and adjust content strategy accordingly.
• Collaborate with creative teams to develop innovative and creative content concepts.

 

Editorial Integrity, Compliance and Ethics:

• Ensure content adheres to brand guidelines, legal requirements, and audience expectations.
• Ensure adherence to journalistic standards and ethical guidelines.
• Ensure the accuracy and factual correctness of all published content.
• Maintain and enforce high editorial standards, including style guides, grammar, and punctuation.
• Manage copyright and licensing issues, obtain necessary permissions, and avoid infringement.
• Protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Enforce ethical guidelines for content creation and publication.

 

Digital Transformation:

• Drive the adoption of digital technologies and tools to enhance news production and distribution.
• Develop a strong digital presence and engage with audiences on various social media platforms.
• Monitor and analyze digital analytics to optimize content strategy.

 

Content Planning:

• Develop and manage a comprehensive content calendar to ensure a consistent flow of high-quality content.

• Identify and develop compelling news stories that resonate with the target audience.
• Develop and implement a content strategy that aligns with the organization's brand and editorial goals.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of all published content.

 

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive news strategy aligned with the organization's overall goals.

• Oversee the editorial direction and vision of the newsroom.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the news industry and adapt the newsroom's strategy accordingly.
• Foster a culture of innovation and creativity within the newsroom.

 

Team Management:

• Recruit, hire, and develop a talented team of journalists, producers, and editors.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and coaching to team members.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback.
• Manage team performance and address any issues or challenges.

 

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry peers, journalists, and news sources.

• Collaborate with other media organizations to share content and resources.
• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to effectively manage crises.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related field
• A Master’s degree is an added advantage

Professional Requirements

• Valid certification in media and communication (e.g., Certified Media Manager, Certified Public Relations Practitioner, etc)

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in media, journalism, or related field
• Prior experience in telecommunications, media & communications industries

Knowledge Requirements

• Proficiency in newsgathering techniques, including interviewing, research, and fact-checking.
• Expertise in writing clear, concise, and engaging news stories for various platforms (print, digital, broadcast).
• Strong understanding of journalistic ethics and standards, including accuracy, fairness, and objectivity.
• Understanding of broadcast news production, including live news, news packages, and newscasts.
• Understanding of data journalism techniques and tools to analyze and visualize data.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and software for news production and distribution.

Skill Requirement

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills  
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Leadership skills
• Proficiency in using relevant software applications like media and communication software

Personal Abilities

• Strong work ethic
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Adaptability   
• Proactiveness