Capitol Bureau Chief

Job Description

Nexstar Media is looking for a seasoned journalist to lead our statewide capitol newsroom in Illinois.

This position will turn daily stories for our stations in Chicago (WGN), St. Louis (KTVI), Champaign/Springfield (WCIA), Peoria (WMBD), Rockford (WTVO) and Rock Island/Moline (WHBF).

News content will emphasize legislative issues in the State of Illinois, campaign efforts of candidates pursuing office, coverage of legislative sessions in Springfield and a significant amount of investigative work digging into the political maneuverings of Illinois leadership.

The position will be based in Springfield, Illinois. Nexstar has an office inside the Illinois State Capitol building, as well as a bureau within one block of The Capitol.

This position will regularly offer live reports in all of the above markets, and will strive to offer custom coverage to each when appropriate.
Our State Capitol Bureau Chief oversees two other State Capitol focused staff-members (and on-air MMJ and a videographer).

Additionally… our State Capitol Bureau Chief is involved in hosting and producing a weekly half-hour legislative interview show called Capitol Connection.

The City of Springfield offers a vibrant downtown with a dense suburban feel, coupled with quaint Midwestern charm and historical significance.
• Essential Duties include:
• Shoots, produces, writes, edits and presents news stories and other content for all platforms in a clear and concise manner, describing the background and details of events
• Develops state political sources, establishes relationships with lawmakers and arranges interviews with people who can provide information about stories
• Gathers information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, news, or other functions
• Researches and analyzes background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information
• Pitches stories to news managers and news producers which are relevant to a statewide audience
• Receives assignments and evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas
• Discusses issues with producers and/or news managers to establish priorities or positions
• Responds to breaking news and other urgent newsrooms situations as required
• Determines a story's emphasis, length and format, and organizes material accordingly
• Revises work to meet editorial approval or to fit time requirements
• Reviews copy and corrects errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines
• Ensures that all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
• Performs special projects, field reporting and other duties as assigned
• Participates in promotional activities
• Writes content for the website and other digital platforms
• Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites
• Reports live and edits video clips as assigned
• Requirements & Skills:
• Minimum five years' experience in news reporting or anchoring
• Superior on-air presence
• Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
• Fluency in English
• Excellent news judgment with an expansive knowledge of local and national current events, history, newsmakers and issues
• Experience guiding, directing and motivating others
• Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills
• Ability to effectively listen to fully understand problems and communicate with a team to shape a solution
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
• Experience with Adobe Premiere and ENPS desirable
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Flexibility to work any shift

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r197yy-3-129-22-135-42 in your application.