News Director - KCUR

Overview

KCUR Public Radio 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, is looking for an experienced journalist and impactful leader to oversee the day-to-day news operation and reporting. The News Director’s primary responsibility will be to ensure efficiency in the workflow and distribution of journalism for digital, broadcast, social media, streaming and on-demand platforms. KCUR’s journalists cover communities across the bistate Kansas City region.

KCUR is the lead station for NPR’s Midwest Newsroom, which focuses on enterprise and investigative reporting, and Harvest Public Media, which reports on the food production industry, environmental topics and rural issues from Texas to Minnesota. The News Director will drive daily reporting with energy, confidence and consistency and help transform KCUR into a digital-first, audience-focused local news operation.

• Coach, supervise and edit the work of editors, reporters, newscasters, talk show teams and freelancers who provide content for broadcast and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with the Director of Journalism and Audience Editor on long-term vision planning, including evaluating and iterating editorial priorities and products, content strategy and audience development strategy.
• Oversee newsroom investigations and plan major editorial projects.
• Help to build a healthy culture of feedback and critique in the newsroom.
• Help lead collaborative journalism efforts between KCUR and external news partners.
• Oversee staff scheduling, ensuring appropriate reporting and editing coverage.
• Work with editors to ensure that the diversity of voices in Kansas City is included in KCUR’s journalism on all platforms.
• Participate in appropriate fund-raising and outreach activities, on air and off.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, benefit eligible staff position.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Six or more years of experience working in a professional newsroom with at least two years of managing journalists;
• A strong track record of publishing rigorous and impactful short-, medium- and long-form local journalism;
• A record of success in managing news across multiple media platforms;
• Sharp organizational skills and strong attention to detail;
• Proven ability to tell stories to and for audiences from diverse communities, generations, and life experiences;
• Experience producing and editing news across audio and digital platforms
• Knowledge of Kansas City — people and places — and important issues that impact the bi-state region;
• Experience in building positive workplace culture;
• Demonstrated success at building successful professional relationships and navigating group dynamics.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $59,800 - $85,000 per year.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation includes generous leave, health plans, retirement contributions, and other benefits. Grade: 11. University

Title:

MEDIA PRODUCTION DIRECTOR III.

For best consideration apply by February 22, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.

Kansas City offers a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of the action. UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university.”

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at .