Digital Content Producer

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.; Alexandria; On-site; ZAR 829,000 - 1,161,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. seeks a Digital Content Producer to turn data-driven insights into compelling stories across multiple sites. You will monitor trends, craft 60+ word stories rapidly, and optimize for SEO while coordinating with Nexstar and partner networks. Ability to shoot basic visuals is a plus.

You will work in a fast-paced newsroom, communicating clearly, managing multiple tasks, and engaging audiences on social media to grow reach and impact.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in digital or print newsroom can be substituted by equivalent experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing or Journalism is required.

Responsibilities

• Be first to report breaking news and monitor analytics, RSS, and social feeds.
• Write daily stories (3–5+) optimized for SEO and page engagement.
• Post and promote content from Nexstar, AP, NBC, and other partners.
• Arrange interviews and verify facts with AP style and accuracy.
• Research background information to provide complete, accurate coverage.
• Interact with viewers on social media and collaborate with teams.

Skills

AP Style writing

SEO best practices

Headline writing

60 wpm typing

Social media management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

Google Analytics

Chartbeat

Social Flow

WordPress

Job description

The Digital Content Producer will use data to make decisions about audience interest trends. The DCP will be able to reach out to contacts, source the web and find information on social media to build stories that will be high performing across multiple websites. While the producer will largely work from a single space, the ability to take photos and create video is a plus. A strong knowledge of social media platforms is expected.

• Be the first to report breaking news stories; monitor analytic tools, RSS feeds, social media, alerts, all regional media for interesting and/or trending stories
• Write daily “flip” stories (avg. 3-5 stories+/day) that are packaged in a way that grows pages per session and time on page while utilizing SEO best practices to grow website search traffic
• Constantly monitor competition to ensure no “flip” stories across the DMA are missed
• Post, package, and promote stories from third-party feed partners (Nexstar, AP, NBC, etc.)
• Arranges interviews with people who can provide information about stories
• Reviews copy and corrects errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial AP style and formatting guidelines
• Reviews and evaluates notes taken about event aspects to isolate pertinent facts and details
• Determines a story’s emphasis, length and format, and organizes material accordingly
• Researches and analyzes background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information
• Gathers information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social or other functions
• Receives assignments and evaluates leads and tips to develop story ideas
• Checks reference materials such as books, news files or public records to obtain relevant facts
• Ensures that all content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and production quality
• Interacts with viewers/users on social media sites
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in AP Style writing and SEO best practices
• Clever headline writer that gets readers to click
• Works with urgency, minimum 60 words-per-minute typing speed
• Ability to generate high engagement social media posts with link click-throughs
• Familiar with Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Social Flow, and WordPress
• Excels in fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure, work environment with accurate, visual, in-depth, digital coverage
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to ad lib when required
• Comfortable with cold calling to develop stories
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent judgment
• Ability to multi-task; flexible with schedule in times of breaking news, severe weather, etc.
• High digital aptitude in respect to latest CMS and social media updates and trends
• Takes initiative to seek out and understand new digital news applications and resources
• Possesses journalistic integrity and understanding of viewer needs and expectations
• Can communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with other members of the office
• Maintain positive work environment through active team participation and cooperation with co-workers in all departments
• Responds positively to feedback

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience in digital or print newsroom. Achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Marketing, Journalism. Equivalent experience may substitute.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

High stress, high energy environment with deadline pressures. Some travel may be required on rare occasions.