Assistant News Director

KRDO13 is looking for an Assistant News Director to help lead our newsroom and drive the content, coverage and culture that defines the station. This is a high-profile opportunity for an ambitious news leader who is committed to being a part of a winning news operation across every platform. We want an out-front leader who wants to find the “scoop,” and lead the market’s news cycle with standout journalism.

You’ll work side-by-side with reporters and the Assignment Manager throughout the day to push story development beyond the obvious. You will partner with the Executive Producer and producers to make every newscast sharper and more compelling. This role also requires someone with a high degree of digital fluency and a strong understanding of social media platforms to ensure our coverage engages audiences wherever they consume news.

We need a leader who likes to mentor and inspire journalists at every level, while fostering a newsroom culture built on high standards and professionalism. As a true partner to the News Director, you must be a highly organized leader who can stay ahead of both the day-to-day demands and long-term projects with minimal oversight.  The Assistant News Director must be a strong communicator who consistently executes with a sense of urgency and purpose. This role requires someone who embraces new ideas, adapts quickly to change, and remains focused on advancing the station’s goals and delivering results.

The Assistant News Director will help oversee a high-performing news management team and collaborate with departments across the station, including engineering, promotions and sales. You must be a true “people person” who can work effectively with other station leaders and all staff. Most importantly, you must be ready to lead when it matters most, including taking charge in the News Director’s absence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead daily broadcast and digital content, coverage decisions, newsroom operations and staff.
• Drive story development, pitches, reporting priorities and script approvals.
• Make sure breaking and developing news leads our newscasts and digital platforms.
• Set and maintain the highest standards for accuracy, urgency and impactful journalism.
• Oversee newscasts with a big-picture focus on compelling, distinctive coverage.
• Coach, mentor and inspire reporters, producers and newsroom leaders.
• Partner with the Assignment Manager on daily coverage and long-term content strategy.
• Help lead editorial meetings and drive newsroom priorities.
• Lead election coverage and other major special projects.
• Partner with the News Director on promotable content and strategic planning.
• Help develop and coach the news management team.
• Take an active role in recruiting and hiring top talent.
• Build strong relationships across the station and contribute to a positive, high-performance culture.
• Manage staff schedules and timecards.

Required Qualifications

• 8 years previous broadcast newsroom experience with at least 3 years of leadership responsibility.
• Sound news judgement and solid understanding of legal liabilities and ethics.
• Ability to manage high pressure situations and conflict with composure.
• Prior experience in a content generating role.
• Prior experience in investigative journalism and a strong belief in its value and importance to our community.
• Must possess strong “people skills,” high emotional intelligence and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Must lead by example at all times.
• Must be able to be on call 24/7 to respond to staff inquiries and newsroom needs.
• Must be willing to occasionally adjust schedule on short notice to work weekends, evenings and mornings based on coverage needs.
• Must pass a drug test and background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred education
• Preferred industry experience
• Preferred certifications or specialized training

Schedule Expectations

This position may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and schedule adjustments based on breaking news, severe weather, station events, or operational needs.

Physical & Technical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift equipment as necessary
• Ability to operate computers, broadcast equipment, cameras, editing systems, and other newsroom technology
• Ability to work in studio, field, and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions
• Ability to travel locally for station assignments and community events

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Colorado Springs, Colorado, unless otherwise approved by management. Employees may work in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments typical of broadcast news operations.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $80,000.00 based on experience

In accordance with Colorado law, the compensation range provided is a good faith estimate of what KRDO13 reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of posting.

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• PTO (Paid Time Off)

• Sick Leave & Personal Holidays

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• FSA & HSA Options

• Supplemental Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Referral Program Incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Professional Development Opportunities

KRDO13 also provides company-paid Basic Life Insurance, Basic Dependent Life Insurance, and Basic AD&D coverage.

Benefits eligibility and offerings are subject to plan terms and company policies. Visit our benefits hub for more information. https://flimp.live/MyNewsPressBenefits#benefithome

Career Growth & Development

KRDO13 supports employee growth and encourages professional development, continued education, industry training, and internal advancement opportunities.

Additional Requirements

• Pre-employment drug screening required
• Background check required
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Application Instructions

To be considered for this opportunity, apply online at KRDO.com/jobs.

Applications will remain open for two months or until offered.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

KRDO13 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KRDO13 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

KRDO13 values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

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