News Director – Local Journalism Leadership Role

Remote – Civic Media is hiring a strategic, hands-on News Director to lead a multi-platform newsroom delivering breaking news, enterprise reporting, and community-focused journalism across radio, digital, podcast, and social channels. This position is ideal for an experienced newsroom leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, excels at editorial decision-making, and is passionate about local media’s role in civic engagement. Though the preference is for this person to live in or relocate to Madison or Milwaukee, this position can be based anywhere in Wisconsin.
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Key Responsibilities
Lead and supervise a team of reporters and contributors
Edit radio scripts and digital stories for accuracy, clarity, and broadcast tone
Oversee breaking news coverage and develop long-term editorial plans
Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development guidance
Participate in on-air anchoring rotations as needed
Direct special projects, investigative series, and election or event coverage
Set editorial priorities and approve story assignments
Manage freelancers, interns, and newsroom workflow
Collaborate with digital, content, and production teams
Ensure timely publishing across broadcast and online platforms
Represent newsroom leadership at meetings, public events, and membership drives
Required Qualifications
3+ years of newsroom management or supervisory experience
5+ years of journalism/reporting experience
Demonstrated editorial judgment and decision-making ability
Experience editing audio and written news content
Background in broadcast, digital publishing, or multimedia newsrooms
Strong understanding of journalism ethics and standards
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or related field
Experience producing audio stories or live broadcasts
Familiarity with CMS platforms, social media publishing, and analytics tools
Track record of mentoring journalists and improving newsroom performance
Benefits
Competitive salary + growth potential
Health, dental, vision insurance
Paid time off + holidays
401(K) with company matching
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to shape local journalism, mentor reporters, and lead coverage that informs and strengthens communities. You’ll have editorial influence, leadership autonomy, and a platform to grow a newsroom committed to meaningful reporting.
About Civic Media
Civic Media has built a radio and digital media network in the Midwest with the goal of championing the practice of democracy by empowering honest and informative local voices. We’re merging the legacy of radio with the immediacy of digital to deliver high-quality content to a growing audience via our radio stations, websites, mobile app, and social media. We work in a fast-paced environment that values communication, integrity, vision, innovation and collaboration in order to fulfill our vision of being the media platform that informs, guides and inspires our audience through the complex landscape of information, commentary and civic engagement.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Civic Media is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/JWX5eMHQKy68gHPD1INo75
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Work arrangement
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