Senior Manager, Community Connections - KPAX

The E.W. Scripps Company•Missoula, MT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

KPAX is seeking a community engagement leader to serve as the station’s primary connection to the people and organizations in its market. The Senior Manager, Community Connections builds trusted relationships across civic, nonprofit, business, educational, and government sectors, and translates community insight into action that strengthens journalism, audience trust, and local impact. The role develops and executes a market-wide engagement strategy aligned with station and regional priorities. It gathers and communicates community insights to station leadership, newsroom teams, and partners; works with News to identify story opportunities and connect journalists with trusted sources; and leads events and initiatives that foster meaningful community participation. The position also advises station leadership on community needs and emerging issues, coordinates cross-functional efforts, and tracks outcomes and team development. The position is based in Missoula, Montana. The posting highlights the area’s outdoor recreation, cultural offerings, and community life. Applications received by November 4, 2026 will receive priority consideration; later applications may be reviewed as needed.

Requirements

Generally, 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, journalism, nonprofit leadership, communications, public affairs, partnership development, government relations, or a related field.
Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance meeting the company’s required insurance limits.
Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.
Strong community listening skills and ability to recognize emerging issues and opportunities.
Strategic thinking and judgment, with the ability to translate insight into action.
Strong facilitation, public speaking, writing, and presentation skills.
Ability to influence across News, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and community organizations.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Empathy, cultural awareness, diplomacy, discretion, and integrity.
Ability to work independently and adapt to change.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM/community relationship platforms, and collaboration tools.
Strong customer-service mindset, conflict-resolution skills, and sound judgment when responding to audience questions, concerns, and sensitive community issues.

Nice To Haves

BS/BA in a related discipline or equivalent years of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders to understand emerging issues, priorities, and opportunities.
Gather, analyze, and communicate community insights to station leadership, newsroom teams, and partners to inform decision-making and coverage.
Partner with News to identify story opportunities, connect journalists with trusted sources, and support audience engagement across community channels.
Serve as the station’s primary community liaison and develop trusted relationships with civic, nonprofit, business, educational, and government organizations.
Represent the station throughout the community and foster partnerships that create long-term value and impact.
Ensure audience inquiries and other communications from community members, partners, and stakeholders are acknowledged, routed, and resolved in a timely and professional manner.
Lead the planning and execution of forums, town halls, public-service initiatives, educational programs, and other community engagement activities.
Partner with News, Sales, Marketing, and station leadership to create opportunities that strengthen audience relationships and community impact.
Oversee event logistics, stakeholder coordination, and effectiveness measurement to ensure engagement activities are inclusive, relevant, and impactful.
Develop and execute a market-wide community engagement strategy aligned with station and regional priorities.
Advise station leadership on community needs, emerging issues, and opportunities to strengthen trust and local impact.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional community engagement efforts, share best practices, track outcomes, and develop team capabilities.