Job Description

About the Role

The Executive Reporter will mentor and lead a team of journalists to sharpen storytelling skills across multiple platforms, support newsroom collaboration, develop enterprise investigative projects, and guide the development of early career MMJs. This role combines editorial experience, investigative knowledge, and the ability to inspire and develop the next generation of reporters.

WISC is seeking an Executive Reporter to serve as the content leader focusing on accountability, investigative journalism, community issues, and public/government systems. This key leadership position will guide the growth of the newsroom with a commitment to accountability, process, and solutions journalism

Responsibilities

Investigative & Content Leadership

• Manage, coach, and mentor MMJs/reporters on sourcing, techniques, and storytelling.
• Identify enterprise story opportunities that distinguish the stations from competitors
• Collaborate on editorial decisions on story selection, investigative priorities, and narrative approaches for newscasts.
• Develop investigative projects that expose systemic issues, demand accountability, and highlight potential solutions.
• Establish systems and workflows to meet deadlines and uphold high journalistic standards.
• Develop and implement digital, streaming, and social media protocols for consistent engagement on designated platforms.

Story Development & Quality Control

• Work closely with Producers, Content Managers, and other news managers to develop newscast content and digital strategies.
• Review and refine scripts to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with newsroom goals and standards.
• Guide reporters to transform complex stories into accessible, impact-driven, relatable presentations on all platforms.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Cultivate a newsroom culture of trust, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Foster strong working relationships between reporters, producers, photographers, and digital teams.
• Participate in long-term content strategy and innovative program development.
• Hold regular 1-on-1 coaching sessions focused on career development and skill development.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 4-6 years of television reporting experience. Newsroom management experience preferred.
• Proven record of presenting breaking news, investigative stories, and creative storytelling.
• Experience mentoring reporters and leading teams, ideally including launching or growing new programs.
• Proficiency with digital storytelling, accountability journalism, FOIA/public records requests, and data journalism.

Skills

• Thorough understanding of journalistic ethics, sourcing, and legal considerations.
• Strong editorial judgment and decision-making under deadline pressure.
• Skilled coach with the ability to motivate and elevate reporter storytelling and investigative capabilities.
• Expertise in multi-platform storytelling: broadcast, digital, streaming, and social media.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills.

Preferred Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism preferred.
• Producing experience a plus.
• Editing experience with digital video tools.

Additional Information

This role requires flexibility to manage breaking news and station initiatives beyond scheduled hours. The position values strong teamwork and innovation under a fast-paced newsroom environment.

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