Assignment Desk Editor

This is a Full Time Job

Responsibilities
• Assemble the daybook on i-news listing story ideas and daily newsworthy events
• Monitor police and emergency scanners and electronic sources for news and disseminate the information to appropriate newsroom personnel.
• Coordinate interviews and logistics for field crews.
• Facilitate the news gathering process and ensure comprehensive coverage of all news stories across multiplatforms, including, but not limited to broadcast, digital, FAST channels, and web.
• Collaborate with producers, anchors, reporters, photographers and other station personnel daily, to maximize resources and provide the best coverage during breaking news coverage and/or weather & emergency situations.
• Participate in editorial meetings; develop interesting story ideas using strong editorial judgment.
• Develop enterprise story ideas consistent with the news brand.
• Cultivate contacts important to news coverage in the Houston area.
• Establish working relationships with Public Information Officers for updates on significant events and incidents.
• Follow and check other local news channels to monitor their news coverage.
• Produce & assist with undercover special projects during sweeps. Includes recording interviews remotely and from the field.
• Cooperate with and support news and online platforms as assigned.
• Publishing of online content when required.
• Plan news coverage as directed by news management.
• Perform other duties as needed and as directed by news management.
• Keep news managers and producers informed on progress of new stories
• Answer phones and take notes on viewer calls for possible story leads.
• Edit videos for broadcast & social media.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
• Fluency in Spanish and English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Prior experience as assignment editor, assignment manager, or other related experience.
• Experience in the Houston market and familiarity with audience and communities is preferred.
• Solid news judgment, strong writing and research skills.
• Experience using online and social media resources as news researching tools (LexisNexis, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Experience with newsroom computer applications.
• Basic understanding and demonstration of solid editorial judgment and journalistic ethics, including a current knowledge of laws of libel, slander and applicable FCC rules and regulations.
• Thorough understanding satellite operations and microwave newsgathering technologies.

Eligibility Requirements
• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be willing to work in Houston, TX.
• Must have a flexible schedule with ability to work any of a 24x7 shift and willingness to work long hours and on weekends and holidays with short notice.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and excellent driving record.

Desired Characteristics
• Good collaborative and interpersonal skills to communicate at all levels.
• Understanding of emerging news production techniques and technology.
• Works well in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, prioritize decisions, act decisively and successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently in a high pressure, breaking news, environment.

Additional Requirements

Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.