General Manager

Job Description

The General Manager of WBBM, CBSChicago.com, and CBSN Chicago (collectively, CBS Chicago) will be responsible for leading the stations in the Chicago market and managing the strategies and teams that drive audience and growth. This executive will be at the center of CBS Chicago's future success, upholding our commitment to quality journalism and the communities we serve while driving modernization across the organization, prioritizing an adaptable and inclusive culture that embraces change and innovation. The General Manager will have a clear vision for the future of CBS Chicago with the capability of communicating and executing that vision via hands-on leadership, optimism, strategic risk-taking and focused metrics of success.

He or she will be a creative thinker who generates new ideas and understands how to maximize resources to achieve market leadership. This includes developing strategies which evolve CBS Chicago from not only being the place to go for breaking news, but also where consumers can expect to find localized high quality, high impact journalism and content – across broadcast, digital and OTT. This executive will also work directly with CBS Corporate leadership, to drive collective growth and success.
Overview & Responsibilities
• Build clear vision for the station and the blueprints for success that every staff member is required to follow.
• Direct and lead the overall operations to drive ''ethical results'' including established goals/objectives in ratings, audience, sales/revenue, market share, profit and operating income.
• Lead all aspects of the station to improve its impact, significance and connection with local audiences, with focus on the continued evolution of digital/streaming platforms.
• Predict market trends and set budgets and performance requirements.
• Coordinate all station departments including news, sales, marketing, engineering, programming and production.
• Lead a premium multi-platform news organization including a team with varied strengths of talent across many roles and disciplines. Oversight of the station's broadcast and 24/7 streaming service, including quality/technical requirements.
• Identify effective and efficient approaches to operations and processes throughout the organization.
• Represent the station in the community; develop and maintain positive relationships with community leaders. Seek out opportunities to supply to the local market area for the improvement of the community.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a strong leadership team; provide guidance and coaching to maximize their performance and accelerate their professional growth.
• Execute all corporate policies/objectives while maintaining the highest level of ethics and industry standards. Establish and maintain an innovative and highly collaborative culture atmosphere that promotes open communication, respect for others and excellence.
• Create a diverse, collaborative, and balanced work environment.
• Ensure the station is following and in compliance with all equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements.

Basic Qualifications
• Shown experience in leading a local broadcast station or news organization. Effectively lead and manage in a dynamic and challenging environment. Forward-thinking and skilled in digital changes, sources and emerging trends.
• A participative leadership approach that champions collaboration and innovation. Ability to recognize, create and communicate priorities, strategies, market opportunities and challenges to drive growth and performance improvement.
• Attention to detail and project management skills. Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience leading budgeting processes and tactical planning.
• Legal understanding of FCC rules and regulations.
• Experience working with unions and contract negotiations.
• Must be a strong leader with the ability to manage all aspects of the station. Significant experience in broadcasting sales management or related required.
• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Communications or related field preferred. Prior experience as a General Manager for a television station preferred.

ViacomCBS is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r1y52e-3-143-218-146-42 in your application.