Description

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.

KWES-TV, the TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate serving Midland-Odessa and the greater Permian Basin, is searching for a transformational, people-first newsroom leader to guide daily editorial strategy across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a newsroom in a market defined by passionate viewers, deep community ties and high-stakes coverage that matters to West Texas families.

At NewsWest 9 we live TEGNA's newsroom values in every decision: demand the truth, work smarter, do the right thing and win. These values drive how we serve our audiences, support our teams and deliver essential journalism across all platforms.

The Assistant News Director will be a key partner in newsroom transformation, owning day-to-day editorial leadership while inspiring excellence and innovation across platforms. You will work closely with anchors, producers, reporters and the combined story desk to champion impactful local journalism, break news with clarity and lead content that drives audience growth.

This position reports to the News Director.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Editorial Leadership

• Take ownership of editorial decision-making for key dayparts across linear and digital platforms

• Ensure content is competitive, urgent and rooted in context, accountability and solutions

• Shape daily story development with producers, reporters and digital journalists

• Lead breaking news and community-impact coverage with speed, accuracy and clarity

• Uphold NewsWest 9's commitment to earning audience trust in every story

Streaming & Digital Strategy

• Develop and execute a multi-platform content plan that reflects TEGNA's transformation strategy

• Prioritize vertical video, OTT/CTV audiences and mobile-first storytelling

• Optimize workflows for 24/7 content delivery across linear, digital and streaming platforms

• Drive experimentation with new formats, interactive experiences and innovative presentation

Audience Growth & Analytics

• Use analytics, research and audience insights to guide editorial choices

• Execute SEO, push alert, newsletter and social strategies that strengthen reach and loyalty

• Ensure content serves the unique needs and interests of the Midland-Odessa community

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Coach, mentor and elevate producers, reporters, editors and digital journalists

• Deliver consistent feedback and build a culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration and accountability

• Support recruitment and development of newsroom talent

Strategic Planning & Innovation

• Collaborate with the News Director on long-term editorial direction, staffing and workflows

• Implement new tools, technology and partnerships that make the newsroom more efficient and responsive

Qualifications

• 3+ years of local broadcast news experience with experience producing compelling, content-driven newscasts

• Demonstrated success in real-time content environments, breaking news and competitive coverage

• Deep understanding of streaming, mobile platforms and multi-platform storytelling

• Strong editorial judgment and communication skills with the ability to lead tough conversations

• Proven experience growing audience share across platforms

• Ability to stay calm, decisive and clear during breaking news and live coverage

• Understanding of the tenets of professional journalism and the responsibility to hold the powerful accountable

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field preferred

About Midland-Odessa & NewsWest 9

NewsWest 9 serves the Permian Basin, a vibrant and resilient West Texas community where local journalism plays a critical role in community engagement, safety information and civic accountability. The Permian Basin news environment demands urgency, relevance and deep local context - from energy and weather to education, border issues and community events.

Benefits:

TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA's 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.

Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor's appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.

TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.

* Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.

EEO statement:

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email askhr@tegna.com

Recruiting Fraud Alert:

To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA Recruiters or Hiring Managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background. Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains.

Recruiters or Hiring Managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information such as social security numbers.

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