Job Title: Public Programming Director

Location: North Carolina (statewide; Triangle-area preferred)

Employment Type: Full-time

About The Assembly Network

The Assembly Network is redefining how North Carolinians connect with the places they live. Our mission is to deliver trusted local news, compelling storytelling, and revelatory scoops that help readers understand and navigate what's happening in their neighborhood, city, and state.

We’re the largest independent news operation in North Carolina and our nationally recognized journalism reaches more than 130,000 newsletter subscribers. Our network includes teams in Cary, Durham, Fayetteville, and Greensboro, as well as a statewide team covering politics, education, business, culture, and more.

About the Role

We're hiring a public programming director to build and lead The AssemblyNetwork's events strategy from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape how a statewide journalism outlet shows up in the real world, bringing our editorial voice and community mission off the page and in front of curious, engaged North Carolinians.

The ideal candidate is an experienced events strategist who excels at both big-picture thinking and on-the-ground execution. You know how to design experiences that feel intentional and substantive, and you understand how events can deepen audience relationships, drive revenue, and elevate our presence in its community.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Planning

Develop and own a statewide events strategy that reflects The Assembly Network's editorial mission, advances our business growth, and serves our audiences across North Carolina.
Identify and prioritize event formats—from intimate community conversations to large-scale public programming—that build meaningful connections between our journalism and the people it serves.
Build an annual events calendar that includes regional and topical event series, and a tent-pole, annual event.
Establish scalable processes and playbooks for event planning, execution, and post-event evaluation.
Track event performance and audience feedback to ensure our strategy is aligned with audience needs and reactions.

Execution & Operations

Lead planning and execution for all Assembly Network events, managing timelines, logistics, vendors, and venues with precision.
Manage an event coordinator role to assist with execution, including the run-of-show plans, setup, execution, and personnel needs.
Partner closely with the editorial, audience, and marketing teams to ensure events are well promoted, grounded, and on-brand.
Manage event budgets responsibly, identifying opportunities to grow revenue and control costs without sacrificing quality.

Community & Partnerships

Work with the chief operating officer to cultivate relationships with community organizations, venues, and partners across the state that align with our event footprint.
Advise our business development team on sponsorship and partnership opportunities that align with our mission and add value for attendees.
Serve as an ambassador for The Assembly Network in communities across North Carolina, deepening our presence and trust with local audiences.

What We're Looking For

At least five years of experience in event strategy, production, or programming—ideally in media, journalism, or a content-driven organization.
A self-starter with a track record of designing and executing high-quality public events, both in-person and virtual.
Strong project management skills and an instinct for operational detail.
Experience managing vendor relationships, venues, and event budgets.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across internal teams and with external partners.
A genuine enthusiasm for journalism and community connection.
Familiarity with North Carolina's communities and cultural landscape.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and highlighting event strategy and execution to jobs@theassemblync.com.

The Assembly

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Public Programming Director