Assignment Coordinator (NJ PBS)

SUMMARY: Reporting to the News Director, the Assignment Coordinator is the real-time nerve center of the NJ PBS newsroom, managing the daily assignment workflow. The Assignment Coordinator coordinates crew and equipment assignments, monitors police/fire scanners and social media for breaking news, and maintains journalist and photographer scheduling. In addition, this position develops and maintains news relationships, contacts and sources, gathers editorial information on breaking news and developing stories, books interviews and guests for programs and platforms, manages planning for future story and events coverage, and serves as a central communication hub between the News Director, anchor, reporters, producers, photojournalists, and editors.  PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor social media and wire services for breaking news and developing stories.
• Assign reporters and photojournalists to stories based on availability, location, and editorial priorities.
• Manage crew scheduling and equipment deployment, ensuring adequate coverage for all assigned stories.
• Maintain the assignment log and daily story list, updating it throughout the day as stories develop.
• Ensure that all platforms are considered when making story assignments, shooting news coverage, and producing content to maximize the value of the material gathered for all platforms.
• Communicate with field crews via phone and two-way radio, relaying updates and coordinating logistics.
• Coordinate live shot logistics, including satellite truck positioning, microwave paths, and IP-based live connections.
• Assist producers with rundown planning by providing real-time updates on story status and crew availability.
• Maintain contact databases for emergency services, government offices, and community organizations.
• Contribute ideas and story pitches to editorial meetings.
• Develop and maintain news contacts and sources.
• Manage planning for future story and events coverage.
• Monitor competitor content and flag gaps in coverage.

• Adhere to NJ PBS editorial standards and public media ethics guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:  REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• At least three years of demonstrated assignment desk experience in broadcast or digital daily newsroom operations, including managing breaking news. including crew scheduling and assignment coordination.
• Strong news judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent field assignments in a live news environment.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Prior assignment desk experience at a television or digital daily news organization.
• Knowledge of New Jersey geography, government, and public safety agencies.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.