NEWS DIRECTOR
Position Opening

GENERAL INFORMATION

KBBI has an immediate opening for a News Director. The director reports to the General Manager, supervises staff and contract reporters, and interns, acts as the primary point of contact for emergency public information, and serves as head of staff in the absence of the General Manager and Program Director. This is a full-time exempt position. The compensation package includes salary (based on experience), annual leave, 10 paid holidays, and a stipend to purchase health insurance. The position is open until filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send your cover letter, resume, and references to General Manager Josh Krohn, josh@kbbi.org. Application materials may also be submitted by mail to the following address:

Josh Krohn
General Manager 
3913 Kachemak Way
Homer, AK  99603

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

1. Gathers and presents local and state news in a professional and ethical manner, ensuring that news coverage is fair and accurate, and reflects the diversity of activities, events, people, and organizations in all communities within KBBI’s broadcast area, and specifically the southern Kenai Peninsula and Seward.
2. Files stories with Alaska Public Media, NPR, National Native News, and other news services where appropriate.
3. Works with other staff members to develop and implement processes for newscasts, breaking news, and  emergency broadcasts.
4. Supervises KBBI reporters, hosts, interns and producers. Provides guidance and training in story selection, production, and editing.  Develops and oversees volunteer news contributors.
5. Acts as KBBI’s liaison with AKPM, NPR, National Native News, and other news network agencies.
6. Participates in Alaska Press Club and other statewide news meetings and conferences.
7. Supervises and collaborates with staff in scheduling, producing and hosting “Coffee Table,” KBBI’s hour-long public affairs program.
8. Prepares and hosts the daily KBBI evening newscast with other reporters and selects stories for the Morning Edition host.
9. Prepares news content for KBBI’s website and social media accounts.
10. Prepares reports on news department activities for the General Manager.
11. Attend Community Advisory Board meetings to receive feedback from listeners, and attend Board of Directors meetings as required by the General Manager.
12. Ensures that all News Department activities are within FCC regulations and station policies.
13. Leads news staff meetings to determine coverage/assignments and conducts air-checks with other staff as needed.
14. Participates in professional development opportunities when available.
15. Works with other station staff and volunteers to enhance the positive team efforts of KBBI.
16. Participates in long-range planning and newsroom goals. Works with staff in developing and implementing appropriate new media opportunities. Manages the News Department Budget.  Develops special projects, coverage, spots, and series.
17. Performs other duties as requested by the General Manager.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Significant professional experience in broadcast journalism will be considered in lieu of this requirement.
2. Three years of news journalism experience, preferably in public media. Experience at a director level is preferred.
3. Excellent writing, production, and announcing skills.
4. Proficiency in computer and digital editing skills.
5. Willingness to work a varied schedule as needed and to be on call 24/7 to cover breaking news.

STATION & COMMUNITY

Programming - KBBI is an Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation serving as a source of news, information and entertainment that is distributed through AM radio, as well as through digital and social media. To maintain the integrity of its noncommercial licenses and the trust of its listeners, donors and community, KBBI must operate in conformance with all applicable laws, including rules issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and in a manner that reinforces the trust that the community places in KBBI. The Board of Directors, staff, and the Community Advisory Board all play important, separate, and distinct roles in ensuring both compliance with applicable rules and in formulating, implementing, or evaluating KBBI’s programming policies. KBBI was founded in 1976 and went on air in 1979.

Community - Homer, Alaska, known as the “halibut fishing capital of the world,” is located on the Kenai Peninsula, 233 road miles south of Anchorage. From the station’s facilities in downtown Homer, KBBI serves listeners in more than 20 communities: To the east, Kachemak City, Fritz Creek, Voznesenka, Razdolna, Kachemak Selo; across Kachemak Bay to Halibut Cove, Bear Cove, Tutka Bay, Seldovia, Nanwalek, and Port Graham; and north to Anchor Point, Nikolaevsk, Ninilchik, Clam Gulch, Tyonek, and Cooper Landing; and in Seward on the eastern peninsula. KBBI serves portions of Kodiak Island, as well as the Lake Clark area, and fish camps in areas such as Chinitna Bay and Tuxedni Bay. KBBI also provides technical and administrative support to KDLL public radio in Soldotna. Through this service agreement, the entire Kenai Peninsula enjoys the benefits of public radio.  

According to 2020 U.S. Census data, the population of the City of Homer is approximately 5,500. The population of the southern Kenai Peninsula, including Homer, is approximately 15,500. Approximately 83% of the population is Caucasian, with American Indians and Alaska Natives comprising the largest minority population at 4%, according to 2020 United States census data. English is the predominant language in the Homer area, with the exception of four predominantly Russian-speaking villages. Census data documents a trend toward increasing numbers of residents aged 60 and older.

Homer is part of the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The local economy relies heavily on commercial fishing and tourism. Borough-wide, healthcare, construction, and retail are leading industries. South Peninsula Hospital, Homer Electric Association, and the Kenai Peninsula School District are among Homer’s largest employers. Homer has also attracted numerous resident artists, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs.

Recreational activities include wildlife viewing, kayaking, sport fishing, hiking, and skiing. Homer offers a lively arts and music community, as well as many fine restaurants, breweries, coffee roasters, and lots of friendly people. Education opportunities include an outstanding public-school system, along with a branch campus of Kenai Peninsula College, which is part of the University of Alaska Anchorage. The community also offers excellent healthcare providers and facilities, including South Peninsula Hospital.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws, KBBI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and KBBI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.