Sr. Mgr., Community Connections, WKBW

Media Networks, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WKBW, Buffalo's ABC affiliate, seeks a Sr. Manager, Community Connections to bridge our newsroom with Buffalo's civic, nonprofit, business, educational, and government sectors.

You will cultivate trusted partnerships, translate community insights into journalism and events, and build audience relationships that endure. This is a strategic, high-impact role in a dynamic local media team.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in related discipline or equivalent years of experience.
• Generally 7+ years in community engagement, journalism, nonprofit leadership, communications, public affairs, partnerships, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders to identify issues and opportunities.
• Gather and communicate community insights to newsroom leadership and partners.
• Partner with News to identify story opportunities and connect journalists with trusted sources.
• Lead planning and execution of forums, town halls, and community initiatives.
• Oversee engagement activities, measure impact, and ensure inclusivity and relevance.

Skills

Relationship building

Community listening

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Empathy and diplomacy

Independence

MS Office / CRM

Education

BS/BA in related discipline

Tools

CRM platforms

Collaboration tools

Job description

WKBW, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY, is searching for a Sr. Manager, Community Connections to join our team. We are looking for a passionate and strategic community connector to serve as the station's primary bridge between our newsroom and the people we serve. In this role, you will cultivate trusted partnerships across Buffalo's civic, nonprofit, business, educational, and government landscape - turning community intelligence into meaningful journalism, impactful events, and lasting audience relationships. If you believe local news is most powerful when it is deeply rooted in the community it covers, this is your opportunity to make that vision real every single day.

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:

Buffalo, New York is a city on the rise - a proud, resilient community with deep roots, genuine warmth, and an exciting future. Sitting at the eastern edge of Lake Erie and just across the border from Canada, Buffalo offers an enviable quality of life at a fraction of the cost of larger metros. The revitalized waterfront along Canalside draws visitors and residents alike year-round, with concerts, ice skating, kayaking, and festivals that celebrate everything Buffalo has to offer. The city's rich architectural heritage - including Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks and the stunning Guaranty Building - gives it a character unlike anywhere else in America. Buffalo is a food lover's city with a distinct identity. From the birthplace of the Buffalo wing at the Anchor Bar to world-class chef-driven restaurants in Elmwood Village and Larkinville, the dining scene punches well above its weight. The arts community is equally vibrant, anchored by Albright-Knox Northland (now Buffalo AKG Art Museum), Shea's Performing Arts Center, and a thriving live music scene. Sports are a way of life here - Bills fans are legendary for their passion, and the Sabres bring NHL excitement to KeyBank Center each season. Outdoor e