Assignment Editor

Arizona Public Media (AZPM) is an editorially independent public service organization, provided as a community service of the University of Arizona, and is committed to delivering trusted in-depth journalism and storytelling that informs, connects, and strengthens the communities of Southern Arizona. We value accuracy, fairness, different perspectives, and community engagement in all our reporting.

Arizona Public Media’s News department is seeking a highly organized, editorially driven Assignment Editor. Under the direction of the News Director and AZPM leadership the Assignment Editor with help manage daily in-depth news coverage across radio, television, and digital platforms. This role is central to newsroom operations — identifying story opportunities, setting coverage priorities, managing logistics, monitoring breaking news, and ensuring timely, accurate, and compelling journalism that serves Southern Arizona communities. The Assignment Editor will help develop and train staff, support and implement newsroom systems, assist with scheduling, contribute to social media strategy and posting, and edit and approve copy. This position requires strong news judgment, exceptional communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. A successful candidate will have the ability to work in a fast-paced professional newsroom environment, have the ability to respond quickly to breaking news situations and the ability to work occasional evening, weekend, and rotating holiday shifts.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

• Track daily and longer-term coverage plans using newsroom planning tools.
• Coordinate logistics including interviews, field crews, and special event coverage.
• Under the direction of the AZPM News Director, assign stories to multimedia journalists and production services staff.
• Under the direction of the AZPM News Director, assist with editorial planning for special projects, elections, and major community events.
• Support adherence to AZPM editorial standards, and ethical, legal, and public media requirements by applying them in daily work and identifying issues for the News Director as needed.
• Collaborate with radio, television, and digital staff and students to ensure cohesive cross-platform coverage.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with community and University organizations, government agencies, and local stakeholders.
• Participate with the News Director and Chief Original Content Officer in the semi- and annual evaluation of AZPM Multimedia Journalists.
• Support writing, editing, or field production, as needed.
• Monitor multi-platform news, social media, community sources, and public records to identify developing news and issues of importance to the community.
• Generate and evaluate story ideas aligned with AZPM’s public service mission. Adhere to AZPM’s Code of Editorial Ethics and Practices and AZPM’s Editorial Standards. Actively participate in creating and maintaining a professional and cooperative working environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to respond quickly to breaking news situations.
• Strong news judgment and understanding community issues and public media values.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Team player with ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to breaking news.
• Proficiency with electronic news gathering tools (e.g. digital recorders and microphone), editing and general newsroom software, digital publishing platforms, and social media monitoring tools.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.