Digital News Producer
General Summary of Responsibilities
As a digital news producer, you will seek innovative ways to tell and promote stories on all platforms with an emphasis on reader engagement and subscriber growth. You are a core member of our digital audience team and will edit, format and amplify the digital components of our storytelling.
We need a big-picture thinker who also pays attention to detail, is a strong collaborator, is adept at quick problem-solving, and exhibits empathy, diplomacy, news judgment, sensitivity and taste. This person should also champion diversity, equity and inclusion in coverage.
Essential Job Functions
- Collaborate with all departments across newsrooms on digital story planning and promotion.
- Curate homepages and other parts of the website as needed.
- Use analytics to make digital decisions in real time.
- Implement and contribute to digital best practices across newsrooms, using the guidelines in our Writing for Digital Playbook.
- Send news alerts on email and mobile.
- Post content to Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.
- Curate multiple related articles, photo galleries, and other content into topic pages
- Participate in the promotion of premium content to help drive new subscribers.
Other Duties
- A/B test web headlines using Chartbeat.
- Undergo formal training with TownNews to help build newsroom landing pages, assist with other quick fixes and onboard new staff into our CMS
- Provide accurate and timely news updates during breaking news situations.
- Moderate comments on websites and social media channels. Respond to questions and comments through social media messaging and website feedback forms.
- Assist reporters with video editing and podcasting
- Promote the work of journalists in our newsroom
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Experience |
At least two years of professional experience preferred in a related position, such as digital editor, engagement specialist or content manager. |
Skills and Abilities / Lifting Requirements (Maximum weight required) |
· Native-level fluency with the web and a deep understanding of how people consume information on multiple devices and platforms. · Familiarity with tools for publishing and analytics, such as Mailchimp and Chartbeat. · Familiarity with social media best practices. · Strong knowledge of AP style, news judgment and journalistic ethics. · Ability to lift 25 pounds |
Minimum Education, certifications or licenses |
Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communication or a related field, or equivalent experience. |
Contact with Others |
Frequent contact with newsroom and digital personnel in Yakima and Walla Walla. |
Supervision Received |
Works independently within direction from the director of digital product and senior news director, with daily interaction with newsroom editor. |
Supervision of others |
N/A |
Pressure of Work |
The newsroom is a demanding, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and the digital news producer is expected to make critical decisions quickly and with confidence. |
Impact |
A strong digital presence is vital to our success as a news company. |
Primary Job Location (Indicate whether the position is remote, or travel required) |
Position is based in the Walla Walla newsroom, but producers also work remotely, as assignments and scheduling demand. |