Social Media Lead/Creator

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. The Oklahoman , the state's leading source for news, culture and sports journalism, is seeking a dynamic and innovative Social Media Lead/Creator to help expand our reach, deepen audience engagement, and strengthen our brand across emerging and established platforms. This role is ideal for someone who lives and breathes social media - and especially video. We're looking for a creator who understands how to tell compelling visual stories that resonate on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and who can translate journalism into engaging, platform-native video content. Position Overview The Social Media Creator/Producer will lead the creation of high-impact video and social content across platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, and emerging channels. This role will work closely with newsroom leadership, reporters, and visual teams to extend the reach of our journalism through compelling, shareable video storytelling and audience-first content. Responsibilities Produce, shoot, and edit original video content tailored to social platforms, including short-form vertical video, explainers, live streams, and on-camera reporting. Develop platform-specific content that reflects The Oklahoman's journalism and voice, with a strong emphasis on video-first storytelling. Identify trends, formats, and audience behaviors across platforms and apply those insights to both daily output and long-term strategy. Collaborate with reporters, editors, photographers, and videographers to translate breaking news, enterprise, and investigative reporting into engaging visual content. Serve as an on-camera presence when appropriate, helping humanize our journalism and connect directly with audiences. Monitor analytics and performance data to refine content strategy, with a focus on video engagement and audience growth. Experiment with new video formats, tools, and storytelling techniques, including vertical storytelling, creator-style reporting, and audience participation. Engage directly with audiences through comments, messages, and community-driven platforms to foster trust and conversation. Stay ahead of platform changes, algorithm shifts, and emerging video trends. Develop audience-growth strategies designed to attract new users to The Oklahoman through platform-native storytelling, creator-led journalism, and emerging audience opportunities. Create content and audience journeys that encourage newsletter signups, registrations, subscriptions, and repeat engagement with The Oklahoman's journalism. Develop video content and recurring franchises informed by audience demand, search behavior, and long-term evergreen value, particularly on YouTube, where we can build audience familiarity, establish trust, and strengthen The Oklahoman's identity across platforms. Build meaningful relationships with audiences by fostering ongoing conversations, highlighting community voices, and identifying opportunities for participation in our journalism. What You'll Do Here You will play a key role in shaping how The Oklahoman shows up in the social media ecosystem - with video at the center of that strategy. This is an opportunity to help redefine how a legacy newsroom connects with audiences through compelling, trustworthy, and highly engaging visual journalism. Requirements Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience producing video content for social platforms, with a strong portfolio showcasing platform-native work. Deep understanding of video storytelling techniques across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Proficiency in shooting and editing video, including mobile-first production and tools such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, or equivalent. Strong news judgment and understanding of journalistic standards, accuracy, and ethics. Experience using analytics tools to evaluate video performance and inform strategy. Ability to work in a fast-paced newsroom environment and collaborate across teams. Creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment and iterate. Experience working in a newsroom or media organization. On-camera experience and comfort engaging audiences directly. Background in political, investigative, or community reporting. Familiarity with Oklahoma and regional news audiences. High-level writing, communication and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline and use multimedia to supplement their reach. This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law. USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual's application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission. #J-18808-Ljbffr USA-Today-Co.