Bureau Chief

Position Summary

The Bureau Chief serves as the lead journalist and newsroom representative for Hidalgo and Starr Counties in the Rio Grande Valley. This position is responsible for developing enterprise stories, managing daily news coverage, cultivating community sources, and ensuring the station is consistently reporting on the most important stories affecting this part of South Texas. The Bureau Chief works independently while maintaining close communication with newsroom leadership and collaborates with producers, assignment editors, photographers, and digital teams to deliver impactful content across all platforms.

The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller, self-starter, and newsroom leader who can identify breaking news, generate exclusive content, and represent the station professionally within the community.

The Bureau Chief will also train and mentor Content Creators, including reporters and videographers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

News Gathering & Reporting

• Lead coverage of news and events within the assigned bureau area.
• Develop story ideas that are relevant, impactful, and important to local audiences.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community leaders, public officials, law enforcement, businesses, schools, and key stakeholders.
• Produce original enterprise and investigative content.
• Respond quickly and effectively to breaking news.
• Conduct interviews and gather information in person, by phone, and through digital resources.

Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as the station's primary representative in the Hidalgo and Starr Counties in South Texas.
• Provide editorial guidance and leadership to reporters and photographers assigned to bureau coverage.
• Coordinate daily coverage priorities with newsroom management.
• Identify trends, issues, and stories that require sustained coverage.
• Positive contribution to newsroom culture, collaboration, and audience growth.

Multimedia Content Production

• Shoot, write, and edit stories when necessary.
• Deliver live reports from the field using mobile and broadcast technology.
• Contribute content to station websites, streaming platforms, CTV, and social media channels.
• Create digital-first content that enhances audience engagement.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain equipment and vehicles.
• Ensure all stories meet journalistic, ethical, legal, and company standards.
• Meet all newsroom deadlines and productivity expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of reporting experience preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong live reporting and breaking news skills.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and interviewing abilities.
• Knowledge of AP style and broadcast journalism standards.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with newsroom technology, content management systems, editing software, and social media platforms.
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong news judgment and editorial decision-making.
• Ability to identify, develop, and execute exclusive and enterprise stories.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Professional demeanor and strong community relations skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as news coverage demands.
• Ability to lift and carry broadcast equipment up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to travel throughout the coverage area on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain in the field for extended periods.

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