Sr. Mgr., Community Connections, WEWS

Media Networks, Inc.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WEWS, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio, seeks a Senior Manager of Community Connections to serve as the station's primary bridge to the communities we serve.

You will build trusted relationships, translate community insights into impactful journalism, and forge partnerships that keep WEWS at the heart of Northeast Ohio. You will lead forums, town halls, and public-service initiatives, coordinating with News, Sales, Marketing, and station leadership to expand audience

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders to identify issues and opportunities.
• Gather, analyze, and share community insights with leadership and newsroom teams.
• Partner with News to identify story opportunities and connect journalists with sources.
• Represent the station in the community and develop long-term partnerships.
• Plan and execute forums, town halls, and public-service initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-functional engagement efforts with News, Sales, Marketing, and leadership.
• Oversee event logistics and measure engagement impact.

Skills

Relationship-building

Community listening

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Diplomacy

Independent work

Microsoft Office

CRM platforms

Education

BS/BA in related discipline

Tools

CRM systems

Collaboration tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

WEWS, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio, is looking for a dynamic Senior Manager, Community Connections to serve as the station's primary bridge to the communities we serve. In this pivotal role, you'll build the trusted relationships that keep WEWS at the heart of Northeast Ohio - turning community intelligence into real journalistic impact, forging meaningful partnerships, and ensuring our station remains an essential, credible voice in the lives of Clevelanders. From leading newsroom community engagement priorities to coordinating forums, town halls, and public-service initiatives, you'll champion connection at every level and make sure every audience member feels heard and valued.

Application Review: Applications received by 11/04 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

WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY:

Cleveland is a city that surprises and rewards - a place where world-class culture, deep sports pride, and genuine community spirit come together on the shores of Lake Erie. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum calls Cleveland home, as does Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. The Cleveland Museum of Art is internationally renowned and offers free general admission, while the Great Lakes Science Center and Cuyahoga Valley National Park - just a short drive south - give residents endless ways to explore, learn, and unwind.

Cleveland's neighborhoods are as vibrant and diverse as the people who live in them. Ohio City's West Side Market is a beloved institution brimming with local vendors, craft food, and community energy, while Tremont, Little Italy, and the Detroit-Shoreway corridor each bring their own distinct character, dining scenes, and arts communities. The city's food culture has blossomed into a genuine destination, with nationally recognized chefs and a range of restaurant experiences to suit every taste.

Sports are a way of life here - home of the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavalier