Senior Digital Producer

LAist is seeking a senior digital producer with multiplatform skills that include line and video editing and a track record of optimizing digital content. This person will work closely with the Audience Engagement team on push alerts and social video, and help make sure we're elevating interesting editorial ideas bubbling up on social media.

This digital producer will also polish stories for LAist.com and manage story selection on our homepage to ensure we reach the widest possible audience with our journalism. This producer should be fluent in AP style and will also work with the newsroom on evolving and adhering to our Dialogue style guide.

Strong news judgment and the ability to prioritize are critical for this role. You will have demonstrated experience with optimizing online content for various platforms, an eye for what grabs readers’ attention and confidence making `edits and changes as needed. You also will work closely with our audience engagement team, and help refine and implement the newsroom’s video strategy. This producer plays a lead role in coaching and giving feedback to editors and reporters based on common mistakes or optimization steps. You will also help to identify digital-first content that will also work for broadcast and on-demand audio.

We’re seeking someone who will embrace our efforts to explain L.A. with content that makes complex issues easier to understand.

This is a fast-paced job that requires the ability to make decisions quickly and to move copy — particularly when news breaks — with speed. You should deeply understand web production and have an eye for presentation; creativity is welcome! We’re looking for someone who can encourage best practices across the newsroom when it comes to how we execute and present our stories. This role reports to our managing editor for daily news.

Expected Compensation Range: $110,000 - $125,000 per year. The exact salary rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Location: Hybrid, Pasadena, CA

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Open until filled. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Edit articles and other published material with text (newsletters, videos, photo captions, graphics, databases) for grammar, syntax, and style, as well as for formatting, SEO and legal review when needed.
• Review video scripts and edits for strong hooks, clarity and engaging calls-to-action.
• Assist with visual requests as needed.
• Be fluent in the social media sphere to flag story ideas and local trends, including using social listening software to track and report insights.
• Execute organization’s strategy to grow a loyal digital audience for our news organization under the direction of the editor, using analytics to provide key insights and guidance.
• Understand and deploy our promise to practice diversity, equity and inclusion in how we assign, report, edit, produce, and distribute our journalism.
• Ensure that all copy adheres to established guidelines.
• Research the accuracy of information, as needed.
• Manage multiple requests and deadlines.
• Communicate in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Copyediting experience
• Expertise in fact-checking stories for accuracy, context, and proper attribution
• Highly skilled in line editing and headline writing
• Expertise in AP style
• Working knowledge of social media
• Sharp eye for detail
• Astute news judgment

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
                                                                                               

• Outstanding line editing skills
• Knowledge and fluency with AP style and usage and willingness and ability to be expert on our newsroom’s Dialogue style guide
• Advanced knowledge of SEO, particularly for headlines
• Resourcefulness and ability to problem-solve
• Strong communication skills, with a quick response time
• Ability to work well in a team setting and multitask in a deadline-driven environment
• Familiarity with content management systems
• Strong news judgment and interest in local and regional news
• Ability to use analytics to drive decision-making
• Experience working with content management systems

                                                                                                               
Reporting to this Position: None
                                                                                                               
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work shifts of early morning, late evening hours or weekends, as necessary.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical Demands:
  • Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
• Working Conditions:
  • Moderate noise level
  • May be eligible to work in a hybrid office/remote work arrangement

LAist (LAist 89.3/LAist.com/LAist Studios) is diverse in race, ethnicity, language, culture, social class, national origin, religious and political belief, age, ability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation in addition to other markers protected by law.  

At LAist, we strive to create an inclusive environment where we all feel pride in who we are and what we do. We are encouraged to show up as we are – always embracing and recognizing that our diversity is what brings us together. Our fundamental commitment to diversity:  

• Enriches LAist and provides an atmosphere in which all human potential is valued 
• Promotes learning through interactions among people of different backgrounds and many perspectives, and  
• Enables the organization to prepare all employees to promote social responsibility, equity, freedom, and productive citizenship in a global society 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.   

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage you to apply. 

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000