Telemundo Arizona (KTAZ) in Phoenix, AZ, is currently seeking a News Assignment Desk Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily coordination of all news coverage managed through the support of news producers and assignment editors for the coordination of journalists to ensure smooth and seamless newsgathering for comprehensive coverage, and performing all related functions associated with being the lead for incoming news stories. This candidate will assign daily news coverage and supervise the logistics of news crews. He/she will also assist in producing newscasts, and when required.

Responsibilities:

·         Lead newsroom planning for daily news and special event coverage. Maintain newsroom planning documents and calendar.

·         Lead daily editorial meetings, including presentation of day/night books.

·         Assemble the daybook on I-news listing story ideas and daily newsworthy events

·         Generate story ideas by monitoring police and emergency scanners and electronic/printed sources for news and disseminate the information to appropriate newsroom personnel.

·         Coordinate interviews, and coverage plan and communicate to all newsroom staff, including producers, digital producers, and social media staff.

·         Facilitate the newsgathering process and ensure comprehensive coverage of all news stories across all platforms, including, but not limited to broadcast, digital, and web.

·         Collaborate with producers, anchors, reporters, photographers, and other station personnel daily, to maximize the management of resources and provide the best coverage during breaking news coverage and/or weather & emergencies.

·         Demonstrate strong news judgment in selecting and/or recommending stories.

·         Develop enterprise story ideas consistent with the news brand.

·         Develop and maintain assignment desk systems, including story filling and following systems.

·         Cultivate contacts important to news coverage in the state, including law enforcement.

·         Establish working relationships with Public Information Officers for updates on significant events and incidents.

·         Constantly follow other local news channels to monitor their news coverage.

·         Produce & assist with undercover special projects during sweeps. Includes recording interviews remotely and from the field.

·         Cooperate with and support news and online platforms as assigned.

·         Publishing of online content when required.

·         Plan news coverage as directed by news management.

·         Maintain a calendar with all future stories and events for planned news coverage.

·         Stay up to date with local and national news stories and update the team as needed.

·         Read police reports and find resources to validate stories.

·         Perform other duties as needed and as directed by news management. Including producing broadcasts for air and digital.

·         Keep news managers and producers informed on the progress of new stories.

·         Answer phones and take notes on viewer calls for possible story leads.

·         Produce newscast when required.

·         Discretion, maturity, and composure-especially under pressure.

·         Maintain strong people and communication skills in a competitive, pressurized environment and work under intense deadline pressure.

·         Reports to Vice President of News.

Qualifications/Requirements:

·         Experience in the Phoenix market and familiarity with Tucson Area audience and communities is preferred

·         Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field

·         Prior experience as assignment editor, assignment manager, or other related experience

·         Solid news judgment, strong writing, and research skills

·         Experience using online and social media resources as news researching tools (Accurint, LexisNexis, Facebook, etc.)

·         Experience with newsroom computer applications

·         Demonstrated ability to solve problems, prioritize decisions, act decisively, and successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently in a high-pressure, breaking news, environment

·         Basic understanding and demonstration of solid editorial judgment and journalistic ethics, including current knowledge of laws of libel, slander, and applicable FCC rules and regulations

·         Thorough understanding of satellite operations and microwave newsgathering technologies

·         Good collaborative and interpersonal skills to communicate at all levels

·         Bilingual: Spanish and English; both written and verbal

·         Understanding of emerging news production techniques and technology

·         Works well in a fast-paced, team environment

·         Works as needed when determined by news management

·         Applicants must submit a resume/CV through www.nbcunicareers.com to be considered

Desired Characteristics:

·         Must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work any of a 24×7 shift and willingness to work long hours and on weekends and holidays with short notice

·         Must be willing to work in Phoenix, AZ

·         Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment

·         Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States

·         Must be at least 18 years of age

·         Must have a valid Driver’s License and excellent driving record.

·         Must submit an attestation disclosing COVID-19 vaccination status and, if partially or fully vaccinated, submitting vaccination record no later than 7 days following commencement of employment.

·         Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the commencement of employment or must undergo regular COVID-19 testing if Company determines the job position requires accessing an NBCUniversal worksite.

·         Must be willing to adhere to all Company COVID-19 workplace safety policies and protocols.

About Us:

At NBCUniversal, we believe in the talent of our people. It’s our passion and commitment to excellence that drives NBCU’s vast portfolio of brands to succeed. From broadcast and cable networks, news, and sports platforms, to film, world-renowned theme parks and a diverse suite of digital properties, we take pride in all that we do and all that we represent. It’s what makes us uniquely NBCU. Here you can create the extraordinary. Join us.

 

About Telemundo Station Group:

Telemundo Station Group, part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, is comprised of 30 local television stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Producing and broadcasting more than 15,000 hours of unique and relevant local content each year, including award-winning news, public affairs, and entertainment programming, Telemundo Station Group serves the largest Hispanic television markets in the country including Los Angeles, New York, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, San Antonio, San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Harlingen, Orlando, Fresno, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Diego, Tampa, Denver, El Paso, Boston, Las Vegas, Tucson, Hartford, Fort Myers, Springfield, Richmond, Albuquerque, Sacramento, Fresno, Salt Lake and Puerto Rico. In addition, Telemundo Station Group operates TeleXitos, a national multicast network that offers viewers popular action and adventure television series and feature films in Spanish. The group also provides support to 50 Telemundo affiliates across the country and manages dedicated local websites and applications, as well as a robust digital out-of-home operation.