Sr. Mgr., Community Connections, WKBW

The E.W. Scripps Company • Buffalo, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

WKBW, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, is seeking a Sr. Manager, Community Connections to serve as the station’s primary bridge between its newsroom and the community. The role cultivates trusted relationships across civic, nonprofit, business, educational, and government organizations, translating community insight into journalism, events, and stronger audience relationships.

The position leads community engagement strategy and activities, advises station leadership on community needs and emerging issues, and partners with News, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and community organizations. It also oversees public-facing events and initiatives, stakeholder coordination, and measurement of engagement outcomes. The role is based in Buffalo, New York.

Requirements

• Generally, 7 or more years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, journalism, nonprofit leadership, communications, public affairs, partnership development, government relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.
• Strong community listening skills and the 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 in the community and foster partnerships that create long-term value and impact.
• Ensure responsive, professional communication with community members, partners, and stakeholders, and see that audience inquiries are acknowledged, routed, and resolved in a timely 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.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Disability and accident insurance.
• Hospital indemnity insurance.
• Critical illness insurance.
• Life insurance and AD&D.
• Identity protection.
• Pet discount program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Career path to grow professional experiences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior