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

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 Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance with the company required insurance limits 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 cultu