Digital Content Manager – WKYT
Gray Media is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, formerly Gray Television, Inc. It is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets, reaching roughly 36% of U.S. television households. Beyond broadcast, Gray owns Gray Digital Media, a full‑service digital agency, as well as media production companies and studio facilities across the South.
The role is based in Lexington, KY and reports to the News Directors at WKYT and WYMT.
Job Summary
WKYT and WYMT are looking for a digital news leader to grow audiences and direct the creation of local news content across digital, mobile app, OTT, and social media platforms. The Digital Content Manager will oversee daily editorial decisions, set strategic goals, manage breaking‑news coverage, develop content strategies for WKYT.com and WYMT.com, and lead the team in using analytics, SEO, video production, and emerging technologies to accelerate audience growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the digital content team, driving a strategy that grows digital and streaming audiences and engagement.
- Serve as the newsroom’s voice of innovation, inspiring others to adopt new approaches.
- Design and implement workflows that deliver 24/7 content across current and future platforms, optimized for each screen.
- Develop best practices for streaming platforms to grow awareness and audience.
- Champion vertical short‑form video production for the mobile app.
- Analyze data and metrics to inform editorial and strategic decisions, creating accountability for results.
- Partner with News Directors and other station leaders to create a cohesive cross‑platform strategy.
- Oversee all station social media accounts, including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging platforms.
- Identify new content types and innovative technologies to reach and serve new audiences.
- Create unique, engaging, and shareable content.
- Coach and mentor teams on writing and SEO best practices.
- Use social media and digital tools to research, discover, and distribute content.
- Collaborate with Gray Media content leaders to maximize cross‑station sharing and innovation.
- Hold newsroom employees to established ethical and editorial standards.
- Lead digital response during breaking news, ensuring timely updates, push alerts, live streams, and social feeds.
- Ensure all content follows style, quality, tone (AP style), and SEO best practices.
- Stay current with digital marketing trends, content creation tools, and industry best practices, evangelizing them across the newsroom.
- Manage content calendars and guarantee timely delivery, especially during breaking news.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience.
- Proven track record of digital news experience.
- Strong journalistic judgment and a commitment to fair, accurate, and unique local content.
- Ability to handle live, breaking news situations calmly and effectively.
- Knowledge of content management systems, news production systems, and social newsgathering tools.
- Excellent writing skills, AP style proficiency, and meticulous attention to detail.
- Experience analyzing audience data, identifying behavioral trends; Google Analytics knowledge is a plus.
- Passion for emerging media and a vision for its future.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Willingness to be flexible with schedule and serve on a weekend on‑call manager rotation.
- Team‑player mindset dedicated to continuous improvement; ability to lead and provide feedback.
- Openness to new ideas and a pursuit of excellence.
- Proven ability to drive results, collaborate, and prioritize tasks while remaining organized.
- Video production skills for digital and social media platforms, both live and VOD.
Performance Expectations
- Speed & Accuracy: Immediate, verified updates during breaking news.
- Content Volume: Consistent flow of web and social updates, including enterprise stories.
- Audience Growth: Month‑over‑month increases in pageviews, sessions, video starts, and engagement across all digital platforms.
- Innovation: Experimentation with new platforms such as TikTok, Reels, OTT, newsletters.
- Collaboration: Strong coordination with newsroom, promotions, and sales teams.
- Leadership: Coaching team members, setting clear expectations, and maintaining morale.
Application
Apply online at https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings. You may also apply through Gray‑TV UltiPro for current employees.
Additional Information
Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. The company also prohibits workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
Location & Salary
Lexington, KY | $54,000 - $64,000 | Posted 6 days ago