Position Title: Content Manager/Digital Content Producer
Position Status: Full-Time, non-exempt
Position Pay: $19.00- $21.00 Per/Hr. DOE
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of our family-owned newsroom, you share a common baseline job description and operate within a story-centric workflow that prioritizes treatment across all platforms; linear broadcasts, streaming, social media, and our digital properties. You report directly to the News Director, who sets scheduling, evaluates performance against role expectations, and, where applicable, supports your leadership development. This hybrid Content Manager/ Digital Content Producer role blends hands-on content creation and publishing with platform strategy, coordination, and guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality coverage across every channel.
Primary Outcomes
- Smooth, accurate breaking news execution across all platforms
- Prioritized daily story slate with clear briefs and timely updates
- Measurable audience growth and engagement
- Strong cross-team collaboration to elevate storytelling and presentation
Core Responsibilities (≈50% Content Management & Leadership)
- Lead daily editorial planning aligned with brand pillars
- Manage assignments, logistics, scanners/wires; make source calls
- Dispatch/re-task crews for breaking/developing news
- Direct producers’/field crews for linear, OTT, web, and social optimization
- Track story progress; ensure accurate updates to producers and digital teams
- Coordinate special coverage with managers and Director of Streaming
- Model proactive leadership; mentor on editorial judgment and multiplatform strategy
- Lead breaking news and daily coverage while producing high-quality web, social, and streaming content
- Grow audience via SEO, packaging, engagement; convert digital users to viewers
- Other Duties as assigned
Core Responsibilities (≈50% Digital Production & Audience Growth)
- Gather, write, edit, and publish web stories, headlines, push alerts, and social posts (SEO-forward)
- Edit and publish video for web/streaming; optimize for shareability
- Continuously update developing stories; accuracy-first workflow
- Monitor and engage on social channels; surface UGC and leads
- Collaborate with reporters/photogs to enhance digital packages
- Copyedit to AP Style, legal/ethical standards, brand voice
- Use analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to meet KPI targets
- Other Duties as assigned
Breaking News Expectations
- First-call lead on major breaking news during unassigned shifts
- Publish immediate digital posts with geo, clear headlines, and calls-to-action
- Maintain disciplined update cadence; verify before publishing
- Escalate legal/safety concerns promptly
Qualifications
- 1+ years at a live commercial media outlet (required)
- Bachelors in journalism/communications/English preferred
- Proven editorial judgment, ethics, and deadline decision-making
- Exceptional writing/headline craft; AP Style + SEO fluency
- Strong communicator; effective in briefs, coaching, collaboration
- Flexible schedule: nights, weekends, holidays as needed
Technical Skills
- CMS proficiency (publishing, push alerts)
- ENPS/iNews familiarity
- Microsoft 365/Google Workspace; Zoom/Teams; live-stream familiarity
- Research and verification tools; basic analytics
- Video editing for digital/OTT; image optimization for web/social
Key Competencies
- Language: Clear, audience-appropriate multi-platform writing
- Customer Service: Authentic engagement; professional presence online/at events; conflict resolution
- Reasoning: Source evaluation, data synthesis, ethical decisions
- Execution: Multitasking, independence, strong teamwork
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Frequent standing/walking/sitting (8–10 hours)
- Manual dexterity for equipment/computers
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom; medium/high noise; primarily indoors
KPIs & Success Metrics
- Speed-to-publish and update cadence on breaking news
- SEO performance: CTR, time on page, search visibility
- Audience conversion to OTT/linear
- Low error rate; AP/brand standards adherence
- Cross-platform completeness within target time windows
Collaboration & Reporting
- Reports to News Director
- Partner with Content Managers, Producers, Assignment Desk, Reporters/Photogs, Director of Streaming, Digital leads
- Coordinate with sister markets for regional stories and asset sharing
What we offer:
We are a family-owned and operated multi-business organization with a heart for the community we serve and our employees! We set you up for success by providing the necessary tools and training needed to succeed in your position. This includes:
- A friendly, supportive, and professional team atmosphere
- Competitive wages and benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching, Employee Assistance Programs, and so much more!
- We believe work/life balance is key to continued success. We offer Vacation days, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays, and more!
For detailed information regarding benefits, vacation, sick, and holiday time, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: NonStop Local Benefits
What Next? If you want to be part of our winning team and live & work in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, email your cover letter, resume, and link to your reel to: Luke Thoburn, Director Employee Development, at: [email protected].
Don't forget: Complete your application at https://cowlesco.vistahrms.com/ complete all required fields, and upload any supporting documents such as a resume, cover letter, references, and examples of work! At the end of your profile creation, simply pick the position(s) you would like to apply for and press "submit." It's that easy!
If you already have a company profile, log in and update your information where necessary, then apply to the open requisition.
If you need assistance with creating or logging into your candidate profile, please email [email protected] and an HR representative will respond as quickly as possible.
At Cowles Company, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity is unwavering, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We believe that together we can build a brighter future for our employees and our organization that enriches our organization, drives innovation, and fuels our success. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We comply with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and strive to maintain a respectful, professional workplace where individuals are evaluated based on merit, performance, and business needs.
All candidates selected for hire will be required to submit to a background check.
Drug Testing, including THC, applies to safety-sensitive positions.
Position open until filled.
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
