Director of News and Public Affairs

Job Profile: Creative Services Manager 4 Job Family: Creative Services Time Type: Full time Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Job Profile Summary: Develops and executes complex media engagement programs and outreach activities to actively engage with media outlets, secure impactful coverage, and promote the university’s stories, achievements, and expertise. Job Description: Arizona PBS is seeking an experienced, strategic, and innovative Director of News and Public Affairs to lead its newsroom and public affairs content efforts across broadcast, digital, and emerging platforms. This role is responsible for shaping editorial strategy, overseeing daily newsroom operations, and ensuring high-quality journalism that reflects Arizona PBS’ public media mission of informing, educating, and engaging communities across the state. The Director of News and Public Affairs will work closely with the Senior Director of Content to define and execute a strong editorial vision while leading a team of reporters, producers, editors, hosts, and student interns. This individual must be an exceptional journalist, collaborative leader, and forward-thinking media professional who can guide teams through an evolving media landscape while maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity. Current initiatives under this role include “Arizona Horizon,” a daily public affairs program, the weekly Hispanic community-focused program “Horizonte,” as well as Arizona-focused political and election programming. Key priorities include growing digital news audiences, working with the Senior Director of Content to develop platform-specific content strategies, as well as collaboration and innovation across broadcast and digital platforms. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a mission-driven newsroom leader who understands the evolving role of public media journalism. They bring strong editorial judgment, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to produce meaningful journalism that informs civic dialogue across Arizona while expanding Arizona PBS’ impact across platforms. Position Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 per year; DOE Essential Duties: Editorial Leadership & Strategy Partner with the Senior Director of Content to define, implement, and maintain a strong editorial vision aligned with Arizona PBS’ mission and strategic priorities. Plan, direct, and evaluate department activities and operations to ensure achievement of organizational goals and objectives. Oversee content creation and curation to ensure stories are impactful, audience-focused, and aligned with public media values. Lead development of new public affairs programs, specials, and initiatives across broadcast and digital platforms. Identify opportunities to expand Arizona PBS’ reach through emerging technologies, digital storytelling, and multimedia content strategies. Develop long‑term editorial strategies that strengthen community engagement, audience growth, and public service journalism. Newsroom Management Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the newsroom. Direct daily news coverage and lead planning for major news events, elections, breaking news coverage, and special programming. Determine staffing, equipment, materials, and facility needs required for successful production execution. Create and manage production schedules to ensure timely delivery of content. Resolve operational challenges and implement improvements to increase departmental efficiency and effectiveness. Team Leadership & Development Inspire, mentor, and supervise reporters, producers, editors, hosts, and student interns. Set clear performance expectations and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, creativity, and journalistic excellence. Provide coaching and professional development opportunities for emerging journalists and staff. Build a newsroom culture that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning. Production & Editorial Oversight Conduct research and interviews for major programs and special projects. Write and review scripts for public affairs programming and special productions. Ensure all content meets Arizona PBS standards for journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness, and quality. Coordinate talent and guest appearances and secure necessary contracts, releases, and copyright clearances. Consult with station leadership and legal counsel regarding legal, editorial, and compliance matters. Budgeting & Administration Monitor departmental budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation. Prepare reports and maintain records related to production activities and departmental performance. Develop operational plans and strategies to support departmental and organizational initiatives. Cross-Department Collaboration Collaborate with fundraising, audience development, programming, marketing, and community engagement teams to support station‑wide strategic priorities. Desired Qualifications: Experience leading a newsroom or managing a team of reporters. Strong leadership and supervisory experience, including hiring, coaching, and developing team members. Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities. Demonstrated expertise in electronic news gathering, writing, editing, and producing content for both broadcast and digital platforms. Strong commitment to journalistic ethics, editorial independence, and accuracy. Deep understanding of digital content distribution, automation systems, and content management platforms. Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills with audiences and community stakeholders. Experience mentoring emerging journalists and working with interns or early‑career professionals. Familiarity with public media journalism standards and practices. Strong knowledge of Arizona and Southwest regional issues, communities, and public policy topics. Working Environment: Activities are primarily performed in an environmentally controlled office setting, subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time. Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds are required at times. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to the resolution of conflicts. Ability to effectively communicate to perform essential functions. Department Statement: Arizona PBS specializes in the education of children, in‑depth news and public affairs, lifelong learning, and the celebration of arts and culture — utilizing the power of noncommercial television, the Internet, educational outreach services, and community‑based initiatives.Arizona PBS began broadcasting from the campus of Arizona State University on January 30, 1961.Now more than 80 percent ofArizonans receive the signal through a network of translators, cable, and satellite systems. With more than 1 million viewers each week, Arizona PBS consistently ranks among the most‑viewed public television stations per capita in the country. Arizonans provide more than 60 percent of the station’s annual budget. Driving Requirement: Driving is not required for this position. Location: Campus: Downtown Phoenix Funding: No Federal Funding Graduate Assistant, Intern and part‑time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco‑free university. For details visit All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Relocation Assistance For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit Employment Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre‑employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre‑employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Fingerprint Check Statement: This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check. #J-18808-Ljbffr Arizona State University