KDNK’s mission is to provide public access radio that connects community members to one another and the world. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, KDNK reaches thousands of listeners across nine FM signals and online. We have built a reputation for funky vitality with over 100 volunteer DJs. We are a valued source for news, culture, emergency information, weather, road conditions, ski reports, river reports, lost and found pet reports, and community calendar listings.
KDNK seeks an experienced journalist, open to risk-taking and innovation, who will lead editorial decision making and digital content strategy. Are you ready to get to work amplifying local voices and evoking a strong sense of place? As News Director, you will produce daily broadcast news on deadline and lead investigative coverage to make meaningful impact.
KDNK’s News Director reports to the General Manager, sharing station operation duties with the Program Director, Music Director, Development Director, and Underwriting Manager. Adult and youth volunteers, as well as paid hosts all count on your leadership. Strong teamwork is essential, particularly during semi-annual Membership Drives and local elections.
KDNK values diversity. We collaborate with Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition, Western Slope Resource Reporting, the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment news team, Connecting the Drops, Sounds of the High Country, and other joint projects.
Responsibilities:
Manage 10 minutes of KDNK Local News stories each weekday
Exercise news judgment, define journalistic priorities, and build trust
Help lead KDNK’s digital initiatives and audience engagement efforts
Circulate scripts for hosts of NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered
Cover government, natural resources, health care, housing, and education beats
Monitor emergencies, weather, transportation, ski slopes, and river flows
Write headlines, shoot photos, and compose online stories
Provide editorial guidance to Spanish-language hosts, freelance producers, interns, the youth news team, and volunteers
Support public affairs hosts with on-air and online content
Host network news programming and live events
Participate in quarterly KDNK Community Advisory Board meetings
Necessary Skills and Experience:
Professional management experience
Training as a reporter, writer, editor, photographer, or producer
Familiarity with best practices for digital content and social media
Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, ethics, and transparency
Salary and Benefits:
$40,000-44,000 DOE. Full-time position. Eligible for partial health insurance and dental benefits. Paid time off includes escalating vacation time, personal leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Email KDNK General Manager Gavin Dahl [gavin at kdnk dot org] with a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and links to four examples of your reporting, editing, photography, or audio production work. Carbondale Community Acess Radio is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits harassment. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family responsibility, disability status, protected veteran status, or religion. Open until filled.