Digital Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hiring Department
TV Station
Job Description
Join KOMU 8 News' dynamic team as a staff Digital Content Producer, where you'll lead our 24/7 Digital Content Desk on mornings and weekends. We're seeking individuals with a proven track record in creating and editing digital journalism content, coupled with a passion for mentoring students from The Missouri School of Journalism. If you have previous experience in local news and social media, and ideally in local television, we want to hear from you
The Digital Content Producer is central to KOMU 8's breaking news coverage, working swiftly under pressure to distribute important content across the KOMU 8 digital platforms (website, mobile news app, streaming apps and social media platforms). The Digital Content Producer will be expected to work in a collaborative environment that will regularly include working with assignment editors, newscast producers, meteorologists and multimedia reporters at KOMU 8, as well as other outlets in the Missouri News Network.
The Digital Content Producer must be able to work comfortably in a fast-paced newsroom under tight deadlines. Key responsibilities include writing timely, engaging and accurate stories for KOMU.com and producing accompanying social media content and push notifications. Qualified applicants must also be skilled with analyzing relevant digital metrics (e.g. page views, video views, time spent, impressions, etc.) and relevant social media metrics (e.g. content reach, engagement). The Digital Content Producer will also drive audience engagement on social media and help source story ideas and find breaking news as it develops.
Given the 24/7 nature of KOMU 8 and its platforms, the Digital Content Producer will, at times, oversee student Digital Producers in collaboration with the Digital Content Editor and will be expected to help during severe weather events. The Digital Content Producer will also be a key leader in the newsroom during mornings and weekends, helping guide reporters and assign them to winning stories. Participation in event promotion and occasional revenue-generating projects is also expected.
Your responsibilities
• Write/edit and publish breaking news, daily news, sports, and feature stories for the station's website and mobile app with a strong focus on search engine optimization
• Write compelling headlines and carefully crafted push alerts with accuracy
• Cut video and write optimized metadata for website, OTT and YouTube
• Regularly create social media content, including graphics and videos, and post to the station's social media platforms
• Manage live streams of newscasts, breaking news, and severe weather on the website, OTT and social media
• Determine placement of content on KOMU.com
• Syndicate stories from news wire services to KOMU.com
• Seek out and incorporate user-generated content to complement digital news coverage
• Interact with users, followers, and viewers on social media and via newsroom phone and email
• Identify and gather information on potential news stories seen on social media and other news websites
• Track analytics for KOMU.com, KOMU news app, KOMU streaming apps, and KOMU social media
• Help enforce expectations for student digital producers' work and digital writing procedures
• Manage newsroom operations and guide reporter assignments during mornings and weekends
Shift
Saturday-Wednesday: Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM; Monday-Wednesday 5:00 AM-2:00 PM. Must have flexibility for breaking news, severe weather events and election coverage.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication or a related field.
Two years' previous experience creating and editing digital journalism content.
Previous experience making newsgathering and news publication decisions, preferably in a local television station.
Familiarity with digital analytic platforms such as Google Analytics or Meta Analytics.
Strong writing skills including understanding AP style and contemporary journalism ethics and standards.
Demonstrable experience working in a content management system (CMS).
Demonstrable experience shooting and editing video, preferably including the Adobe Premiere video editing system.
Demonstrable social media experience specifically including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Demonstrable familiarity with building off-platform audiences.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $19.25 - $24.25 hourly
Grade: GGS-8
University Title: Strategic Communications Associate I
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Materials
Resume, cover letter, portfolio showcasing recent work in digital journalism
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer .
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.