What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Storyteller - NBC4/T44 Washington position at NBCUniversal Local?
NBC4 and Telemundo 44 in Washington, D.C. are looking for a dynamic, sharp, creative and platform-first journalist who thrives on social media — especially TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
This is a contractor position hired through Yoh staffing agency and assigned to NBC4/Telemundo 44.
About The Role
As a Social Storyteller, you’ll be reimagining how we engage with and inform audiences, turning local, national and trending news into must-watch videos that educate, provide context and depth, enthrall and resonate.
This role is all about enterprise, original storytelling using an authentic voice and crafting compelling narratives designed natively for social media platforms. You’ll pitch, write, shoot and edit your own social video pieces — from breaking news explainers to interesting day-in-the-life pieces on local sources to cultural trend deep dives to quick-hit summaries of news that matters to our audiences. You’ll also help the newsroom evolve: leading by example and teaching colleagues the best methods to create for social-first audiences.
Why This Role Matters
Audiences are increasingly turning to social media to get their news — especially, but not limited to, younger consumers. We believe that our audiences — both current and potential — deserve high-quality local journalism delivered in the formats they prefer. You’ll be a key voice in shaping our evolving strategy on these off-core platforms and developing new storytelling formats that have impact and attract new viewers to our brand and products.
What You’ll Do
- Create daily short-form video stories perfected for TikTok, Instagram Reels and
- YouTube Shorts
- Pitch original ideas that highlight unique angles, underrepresented perspectives, breaking news and cultural trends affecting the Washington, D.C. region and beyond
- Shoot and appear on-camera with a confident, credible and authentic presence
- Write scripts and captions that are punchy, informative and have a hook
- Stay on top of platform trends, audio, editing styles and audience behavior
- Collaborate with producers, photojournalists, executive producers and station and division leadership to bring news stories to life visually
- Engage with audiences on-platform — using interaction tools like Q&As, polls, live reporting and responding to comments and feedback where appropriate
- Experiment, iterate and help define what journalism should look and feel like today and in the future
- Participate and collaborate on special projects, in series and appear on multiple platforms including linear television when appropriate
- Help teach and guide newsroom peers to create for social-first audiences
You Should Have
- A journalistic mindset: accuracy, ethics, fairness and a sharp editorial eye
- Strong on-camera presence and comfort producing content solo — from ideation
- to publishing
- Speaking naturally like you’re telling a story to your friends
- Deep fluency in social media and peer-messaging culture — especially TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp
- A proven track record of exceptional social reporting and engagement with your audience
- Ability to manage multiple stories and projects at once, knowing when to pivot to urgent news matters in coordination with management and making daily deadlines
- Video editing experience using mobile apps and desktop tools (CapCut, Premiere, etc.)
- Experience using mobile tools like smartphone cameras, wireless microphones, compact lighting and tripods
- A curious, creative spirit and an instinct for what will “stop the scroll”
- A coach/player mindset adept in teaching and evangelizing social storytelling skills to the entire organization
Bonus, If You Have A…
- Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Spanish
- Background in journalism, communications or related fields
- History of producing written, video and graphical content for digital news outlets
- Familiarity with SEO, analytics and platform performance insights
Required Qualifications (The Corporate Stuff)
- Live in the Washington, D.C. metro area
- Adhere to NBC News Group standards, policies and ethics
- Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be available to weekends, evenings and holidays as required
- Must be able to work in the field and be licensed to operate a vehicle