Hiring Department
TV Station
Job Description
KOMU 8 News, mid-Missouri’s NBC affiliate and the only university-owned commercial television station in the US, is looking for an experienced and highly organized Content Manager to lead the newsroom’s daily assignment and planning process.
KOMU 8 is a unique newsroom where professional journalists work alongside students from the Missouri School of Journalism. We serve a 14-county region with a strong commitment to local news, weather and sports.
The Content Manager will take the lead on daily assignments, story development and future planning. This person will oversee the assignment editor and work closely with student reporters, producers, digital staff and newsroom managers to make sure we are pursuing the strongest stories of the day and planning for what comes next.
We are looking for someone with strong news judgment who is organized, communicates well and is comfortable making decisions. This person must also understand that KOMU has two important missions: serving our audience as a competitive commercial newsroom and helping train the next generation of journalists.
Responsibilities
- Lead the daily assignment meetings
- Develop daily coverage plans while also identifying follow-ups, previews and opportunities to move important stories forward
- Work closely with the desk/digital team and coordinate throughout the day with student reporters, producers, digital staff and newsroom managers
- Develop original story ideas and build strong sources and community contacts throughout KOMU’s 14-county coverage area
- Maintain an organized system for tracking upcoming events, story ideas, reporter assignments, contacts, follow-ups and future coverage
- Help lead breaking news coverage and make timely decisions about assignments, staffing and newsroom resources
Leadership Expectations
The Content Manager is expected to take ownership of the newsroom’s daily assignment and planning process. This person should be comfortable making editorial decisions, setting priorities and giving student reporters clear direction without needing multiple managers to step in and manage daily assignments.
A major part of this job is making sure student reporters are set up for success. They should understand what they are covering, why the story matters, what is expected from the assignment and how we can tell the story across broadcast, digital and social platforms.
This position also plays an important teaching role. The Content Manager will work with journalists at different experience levels and should recognize when a student needs more guidance and when they are ready to be more independent.
The Content Manager will have the support of other managers but must be able to make decisions independently.
Shift
This position will primarily work Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Hours are to be determined based on the needs of the newsroom. The candidate should have some flexibility for breaking news, major events, elections, severe weather and other significant coverage. Some evening, weekend and holiday work may also be required.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least two years of newsroom experience or comparable professional experience
- Professional newsroom experience with a strong understanding of daily news gathering and editorial decision-making
- Strong news judgment and an understanding of what makes a compelling local story
- Experience leading newsroom coverage and making decisions under deadline
- Experience assigning stories and working with student reporters to develop coverage
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Ability to manage breaking news and adjust coverage plans quickly
- Strong communication, leadership and coaching skills
- Understanding of broadcast, digital and social storytelling
- Familiarity with newsroom planning systems, court records, public records, government agendas and other common newsgathering resources
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $22.10 - $29.00 per hour
Grade: GGS 009
University Title: Media Production Director I
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Materials
Resume • Cover Letter • Professional References
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Other Information
KOMU 8 is the NBC affiliate serving the Columbia-Jefferson City market and is proudly owned by the University of Missouri. As part of the Missouri School of Journalism, KOMU 8 combines award-winning journalism with a unique educational mission.
KOMU 8 is a multi-platform media organization, trusted community resource, and strategic marketing partner serving Mid-Missouri businesses.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
