Billings,MT
NonStop Local(KHQ,Inc.)
DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Station Manager/ News Director
Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Pay: DOE, Signing Bonus
SUMMARY
A Station Manager/News Director for our family-owned company is expected to share the same baseline job description. You will report directly to the President of News, who will evaluate your performance relative to the job description, and assist with your leadership development, which is unique to you. This is the perfect opportunity for someone with a news background to hone their craft while stepping into a station management role. Our operation is based on a story-centric workflow. That means we prioritize story treatment across a variety of platforms, from our linear broadcasts to our streaming services, as well as social media and our digital properties. We look for leaders who display energy and passion for Content Connecting the Community. The ideal candidate will be curious, hungry, and addicted to winning.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Protect the FCC license of KULR-TV (NonStop Local Billings).
- Accountable for all profit and loss figures for the station.
- Owns and leads all aspects of news, weather and sports programming production while providing strategic and logistics support.
- Lead a culture that owns enterprise reporting and storytelling as well as breaking news across all platforms.
- Inspire and coach superior, unique and engaging storytelling, and implement leadership development opportunities for our future leaders.
- Serve as primary leader during crisis response.
- Recruit vigorously and build a deep bench of talent.
- Focus on building sales and forecasting future performance with an understanding of all platform sales.
- Execute big marketing and promotion plans.
- Removes barriers to success for every member of the team.
- Critiques product daily to correct errors, improve coverage and provide mentoring feedback to news staff.
- Navigate employee behavior as it relates to today’s ever-changing employment rules, regulations and laws.
- Adhere to deadlines and make timely and effective decisions in situations requiring prompt attention.
- Seek opportunities to ascertain public needs, build community engagement and bolster station success.
- Manage capital projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of four years’ experience at a live commercial media outlet.
- Degree in Journalism, Media, or a similar program preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong leadership skills.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work under pressure and keep a calm demeanor under stress.
- Ability to make quick, strong editorial judgments and a proven ethical foundation.
- Availability for big breaking news coverage on unassigned shift.
- Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong writing skills and news judgment.
- Exemplary communication skills.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and with others in a team environment.
- Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Ability to effectively listen to fully understand employee needs and communicate with a team to shape a solution.
- Must be knowledgeable in broadcast law.
- Must understand digital production and all current digital platforms.
- Active social media participant and strong social media skills.
- Experience preparing and maintaining departmental budgets and the willingness to fight for what your team needs.
- Must have valid driver’s license and be insurable.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Office Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent tools (e.g., Google Workspace), including email and calendar management.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with web publishing platforms to manage and upload digital content.
- Broadcast-Specific Software: Proficiency with newsroom systems such as ENPS or iNews and teleprompter operations.
- Research Tools: Ability to use online research tools, databases, and search engines effectively.
- Live Streaming: Experience with live-streaming platforms and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams.
- Data Analytics (Optional): Experience with tools like Google Analytics and Comscore to analyze audience trends.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Language Skills
- Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing to communicate complex information clearly.
- Ability to adjust tone and vocabulary for diverse audiences and platforms.
Customer Service Skills
- Ability to engage authentically with viewers and build trust through effective communication.
- Strong conflict resolution and adaptability to audience preferences.
- Professionalism when representing the station at public events or online.
Reasoning Abilities
- Strong critical thinking skills to evaluate sources, analyze data, and make editorial decisions.
- Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources for clear, logical reporting.
- Sound ethical reasoning to ensure fairness and adherence to journalistic standards.
Physical Demands
- Frequent standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of eight (8) to ten (10) hours per day.
- Manual dexterity in operating equipment and computers.
- Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Work Environment
- Primarily indoors in a newsroom setting.
- Frequent exposure to low to medium noise levels.
- A fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom environment.
What we offer:
We are a family-owned and operated multi-business organization with a heart for the community we serve and our employees! We set you up for success by providing the necessary tools and training needed to succeed in your position. This includes:
- A friendly, supportive, and professional team atmosphere
- Competitive wages and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching, Employee Assistance Programs, and so much more!
- We believe work/life balance is key to continued success. We offer Vacation days, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and more!
For detailed information regarding benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday time, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: _https://heyzine.com/flip-book/nonstoplocal-wa
What Next? If you want to be part of our winning team and live & work in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, email your cover letter, resume, and link to your reel to: Stephanie Ashley, Director of Recruiting, at: [email protected], or [email protected].
Don't forget: Complete your application at https://careers.cowlesco.com complete all required fields, and upload any supporting documents such as a resume, cover letter, references, and examples of work! At the end of your profile creation, simply pick the position(s) you would like to apply for and press "submit." It's that easy!
If you already have a company profile, log in and update your information where necessary, then apply to the open requisition.
If you need assistance with creating or logging into your candidate profile, please email [email protected] and an HR representative will respond as quickly as possible.
At Cowles Company, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity is unwavering, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We believe that together we can build a brighter future for our employees and our organization that enriches our organization, drives innovation, and fuels our success. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and strive to maintain a respectful, professional workplace where individuals are evaluated based on merit, performance, and business needs. All candidates selected for hire will be required to submit to a background check.
Drug Testing, including THC, applies to safety-sensitive positions.
Position open until filled.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- Strong leadership skills.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work under pressure and keep a calm demeanor under stress.
- Ability to make quick, strong editorial judgments and a proven ethical foundation.
- Availability for big breaking news coverage on unassigned shift.
- Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong writing skills and news judgment.
- Exemplary communication skills.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.?
- Ability to work independently and with others in a team environment.
- Ability to identity the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Ability to effectively listen to fully understand employee needs and communicate with a team to shape a solution.
- Must be knowledgeable in broadcast law.
- Must understand digital production and all current digital platforms.
- Active social media participant and strong social media skills.
- Experience preparing and maintaining departmental budgets and the willingness to fight for what your team needs.
- Must have valid driver’s license and be insurable.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of four years’ experience at a live commercial media outlet.
- Degree in Journalism, Media, or a similar program preferred.
ADDITIONAL INFO
What we offer:
We are a family-owned and operated multi-business organization with a heart for the community we serve and our employees! We set you up for success by providing the necessary tools and training needed to succeed in your position. This includes:
• A friendly, supportive, and professional team atmosphere
• Competitive wages and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching, Employee Assistance Programs, and so much more!
• We believe work/life balance is key to continued success. We offer Vacation days, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and more!
For detailed information regarding benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday time, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: _https://heyzine.com/flip-book/nonstoplocal-wa
HOW TO APPLY
What Next? If you want to be part of our winning team and live & work in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, email your cover letter, resume, and link to your reel to: Stephanie Ashley, Director of Recruiting, at: [email protected], or [email protected].
Don’t forget: Complete your application at https://careers.cowlesco.com