Sr Mgr, Community Connections, KXXV

Media Networks, Inc.; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Scripps' The Scripps station in Waco, TX is seeking a Sr Mgr of Community Connections to be the primary bridge to the community, building trusted relationships that inform journalism and create meaningful partnerships.

The role leads day-to-day newsroom community engagement priorities, coordinates with News, Sales, Marketing and station leadership, and oversees events and programs to ensure timely, inclusive engagement with audiences.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in related discipline or equivalent experience preferred.
• 7+ years in community engagement, journalism, nonprofit leadership, or related fields.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders to identify priorities.
• Gather and communicate community insights to inform decision-making and coverage.
• Partner with News to identify story opportunities and connect journalists with sources.
• Lead planning of forums, town halls, and community engagement events.
• Oversee engagement activities and measure impact.

Skills

Relationship building

Community listening

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

BS/BA in related discipline

Tools

CRM systems

Collaboration tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

KXXV, The Scripps station in Waco, Texas is seeking a Sr Mgr of Community Connections. This individual will serve as the station's primary connector to the community, building trusted relationships that strengthen local engagement, inform journalism, and create meaningful partnerships. Through community intelligence, strategic relationships, and meaningful engagement, this role helps ensure the station remains an essential and trusted part of community life. Lead day-to-day newsroom community engagement priorities, and ensures the station responds quickly and thoughtfully to audience questions, story tips, community concerns, and public-facing engagement opportunities.

Application Review: Applications received by Nov 3 will receive priority consideration. Applications received after this date may continue to be reviewed as needed.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• 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, developing 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 responsive, professional communication with community members, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring audience inquiries 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 meaningful 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, while sharing best practices, tracking outcomes, and developing team capabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• BS/BA in related discipline or equivalent years of experience preferred
• Generally, 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, journalism, nonprofit leadership, communications, public affairs, partnership development, government relations, or related fields.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING :

• Exceptional relationship‑building and networking skills
• Strong community listening skills and ability to recognize emerging issues and opportunities
• Strategic thinking and judgment; 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

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SCRIPPS' COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose.

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates