Community Connections Coordinator, WEWS at E.W. Scripps in Cleveland, OH

Job description

WEWS, The E.W. Scripps Company ABC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio, is searching for a Community Connections Coordinator. We're looking for a driven, people-first professional to join our team and serve as the vital link between our newsroom and the communities we cover. In this role, you'll cultivate meaningful relationships, surface credible story leads, coordinate community events and listening sessions, and help our journalists connect with the trusted local voices that make our coverage matter. Whether you're in the field building source networks, managing audience tips, or supporting breaking news coverage, your work will directly shape how WEWS serves the people of Greater Cleveland every 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 organizations, residents, leaders, and trusted sources to gather community insights and identify emerging issues, events, and story opportunities. Monitor, track, and route audience tips, questions, and leads from community channels, ensuring timely communication and escalation to newsroom teams. Support newsroom listening efforts, community conversations, and source development by connecting journalists with credible and diverse community voices. Assist with breaking and developing news coverage by gathering community context, maintaining source networks, and providing timely intelligence to newsroom staff. Serve as a responsive point of contact for community organizations and residents, fostering positive relationships and trust. Coordinate outreach, maintain partner and contact records, and represent the station at community meetings, events, and activities. Support newsroom talent by coordinating interviews, identifying community contacts, gathering background information, and facilitating community appearances. Coordinate logistics and execution for community conversations, listening sessions, public programs, newsroom events, special coverage initiatives, and station appearances. Manage event-related activities including outreach, scheduling, partner coordination, participant communications, on-site support, and post-event follow-up. Support audience engagement across digital and in-person channels, including live discussions, community groups, neighborhood platforms, and other audience interaction opportunities. Maintain community calendars, project plans, contact databases, and engagement records to support execution of the market community strategy. Track community insights, engagement outcomes, story leads, and best practices, preparing summaries and reports that help inform newsroom and community engagement priorities. WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Associates degree in related discipline or equivalent years of experience preferred Generally, 5+ years of experience in journalism, communications, community engagement, nonprofit work, events, public relations or related fields Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance with the company required insurance limits WHAT YOU'LL BRING: Strong listening, relationship-building and interpersonal skills Ability to establish rapport with diverse community members and organizations Strong written and verbal communication skills Excellent organization, follow-through and attention to detail Ability to identify and communicate relevant community information quickly and accurately Ability to collaborate effectively with journalists and station teams Comfort working independently in the community and adapting to newsroom needs Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM/contact systems, social platforms and collaboration tools Solid news judgment, comfort with newsroom urgency, ability to verify and relay information quickly, and understanding of how community tips can develop into stories Ability to communicate clearly and accurately acros