Director of News and Public Affairs

Director of News and Public Affairs

Purpose of the Job/Essential Functions

Austin PBS is seeking an innovative and experienced journalism leader to guide and grow our news and public affairs content serving Central Texas.

This candidate will ensure high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that reflects the diverse communities we serve. This position will lead a multidisciplinary team of talented journalists and content professionals, fostering a culture of editorial excellence, collaboration, and innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.

Key priorities include growing digital news audiences, developing platform-specific content strategies, and advancing community-centered journalism through partnerships, diverse voices, and solutions-oriented dialogue. Current initiatives under this role include Austin InSight, a weekly news and feature journalism program, and the community-led reporting of Decibel.

The ideal candidate brings strong news judgment, team leadership experience, and a track record of producing high-quality content while expanding audience reach across platforms. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees the editorial vision, mission, strategic plan, priorities and policies for all news and public affairs programs at Austin PBS
• Serve as Executive Producer for Austin InSight and ensure production is consistent with the the vision, mission, goals and editorial policies of the department and station
• Directly supervises reporting and journalism staff and is responsible for recruiting, training and coaching
• Directs and manages all short, medium and long term planning around current and future news and public affairs projects
• Collaborates with other departments to achieve the strategic priorities of the station, which includes but is not limited to fundraising, audience, programming and community engagement goals
• Establishes, fosters and maintains relationships and collaborations with other media organizations
• Communicate with the station’s board of directors, community advisory board and other stakeholder groups regarding news and public affairs content as needed
• Makes public appearances on behalf of the station
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Seven to 10 years in journalism plus minimum 2 years in leadership
• Bachelor's degree in video, photography, journalism, or other similar related fields (or the equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team toward a common goal
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high journalistic standards and uncompromising ethics
• Understanding and commitment to community engagement through an audience-centered approach
• Must have a creative mindset, enthusiasm for online media, and an understanding of non-commercial news
• Must have proven abilities in planning and coordinating people and operations.
• Knowledge of Central Texas community a plus

Please provide cover letter & samples of work (reels, portfolio, writing samples, etc.)

Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Family leave
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person