Director, MS NOW

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

MS NOW is seeking an experienced Studio Director to join our New York City team, helping deliver world-class live programming across broadcast, social, and digital platforms. The ideal candidate is a quick, decisive leader with sharp editorial instincts who thrives in the high-pressure environment of live television.

This individual will collaborate with producers, talent, and technical staff to translate editorial vision into compelling television. A thorough knowledge of current events and a strong understanding of U.S. politics are essential. Familiarity with iNEWS, Vizrt, control room automation, and modern broadcast production tools is strongly preferred. This is a DGA-covered position.

Responsibilities

• Direct high-energy live news programming with consistency, creativity, and accuracy
• Partner with producers and editorial teams to build and execute show rundowns, integrating video, graphics, studio elements, and music
• Lead technical crews including technical directors, audio, graphics, and camera operators to ensure seamless production
• Collaborate with graphic artists and technical staff to enhance the overall creative look of shows, including input on lighting, camera placement, and set design
• Operate, or be willing to learn and direct shows using, control room automation when assigned
• Participate in planning and executing field/remote productions, including technical planning and site surveys
• Maintain the highest standards of editorial integrity, technical execution, and aesthetic quality
• Review broadcasts and provide feedback to production teams for continuous improvement
• Serve as a team leader on special projects and breaking news events Stay current with evolving production technologies and emerging industry practices
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and thrive in high-pressure, deadline-driven situations.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience directing live television, preferably in a major market newsroom
• Proven ability to manage live control room operations and execute complex rundowns Familiarity with iNEWS, Vizrt, graphics systems, and automation systems
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technology and workflows, with a proactive approach to broadcast innovations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to give clear direction under pressure Deep knowledge of current events and U.S. political landscape
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize, and lead in a fast-paced environment Experience with both studio and remote productions

Desired Characteristics

• Creative storyteller with excellent editorial judgment
• Collaborative team player who works well across disciplines
• Calm and decisive under pressure; dependable and self-starting
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and lead diverse teams

Additional Requirements

• This position is required to be performed in-person at the Versant office in New York City
• This position includes overnight breaking news coverage and early morning programming.  The regularly scheduled hours are 12am - 8am, Monday through Friday.
• Must be able to work evenings, early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as assigned
• Must be willing to travel if needed
• Must provide a resume and director track reel (upon request)
• This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $260,000

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.

VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.