Social Media Producer - Kctv

Gray Media•Fairway, KS

About The Position

KCTV5 is looking for a Social Media Producer who can create high-performing, platform-native news content that drives reach, habit, and streaming viewing. This role reports to the Social Media Manager and works in close coordination with the digital desk, assignment desk, reporters, meteorologists, producers, and marketing. This is not a "clip and post" role. The Social Media Producer will help execute a multi-platform publishing model—building short-form vertical video, breaking-news updates, and explainers designed for TikTok/Instagram/YouTube/Facebook, while using smart packaging and clear calls-to-action that guide audiences to deeper coverage on KCTV5 digital and streaming products.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Digital Media, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
2+ years producing social/digital content for a newsroom, media brand, creator brand, or high-velocity publisher (experience level flexible for the right candidate).
Strong news judgment and excellent writing/editing skills; ability to work fast without sacrificing accuracy.
Demonstrated skill in short-form vertical video production (shooting, editing, captions/subtitles, pacing, and platform-native storytelling).
Working knowledge of social best practices (hooks, captions, thumbnails/cover frames, aspect ratios, accessibility, headline discipline, basic SEO/YouTube packaging).
Proficiency with basic editing and design tools (e.g., Edius, Adobe, CapCut, Canva, Photoshop, etc.).
Comfort working in a breaking news environment with rapid decision-making and tight deadlines.
Strong collaboration skills; comfortable working with anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and producers to create social-first content.
Experience with comment/community management and applying moderation guidelines consistently.
Analytics experience (Meta insights, YouTube analytics, social listening tools, Google Analytics/Chartbeat, etc.).
CMS experience is a plus; ability to publish web updates/push alerts as needed.

Responsibilities

Produce platform-native short-form video for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook (vertical framing, strong hooks, captions/subtitles, and concise storytelling).
Execute the "one story, many forms" approach: coordinate with newsroom teams so a single reporting effort becomes multiple social assets (vertical explainer, breaking update(s), behind-the-scenes/process post, and streaming promo) rather than a simple TV repost.
Support breaking news and severe weather with quick, accurate updates that clearly communicate what's confirmed, what's unknown, and what comes next; publish updates as facts evolve ("stacking updates").
Package posts for performance: write platform-specific copy, select cover frames, apply appropriate hashtags/location tags, and optimize for each platform's user behavior.
Collaborate with the Social Media Manager to maintain a consistent brand voice across platforms while tailoring tone and format per platform (informative, human, concise, non-sensational).
Assist with streaming promotion and audience pathways: use social posts and video to direct audiences to live streams, original streaming franchises, and deeper explainers where appropriate.
Engage with the audience: monitor and respond to comments/messages using station guidelines; keep comments on when appropriate, use filters, and escalate/hide only when clearly necessary; log FAQs and identify follow-up opportunities.
Build trust through transparency: incorporate sourcing/verification notes, context, and visible corrections when needed; help produce "how we verified" and "why this matters" mini-content when appropriate.
Coordinate with digital producers and editors to ensure social content is aligned with newsroom priorities and accurate during developing situations.
Track performance and refine strategy using analytics (reach, watch time/retention, engagement, follower growth, referral traffic, and streaming clicks/starts where available).
Work a schedule that supports news (including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays as needed).