Director, Social Media & Digital Video

Director, Social Media & Digital Video

The ABC News Digital group is responsible for building and executing dynamic social and video campaigns, developing both short-term and long-term strategy for the team, working directly with executive stakeholders as it relates to social media and digital video matters, fostering audience engagement, and optimizing content to elevate ABC News' digital presence. We're looking for a sharp, audience-obsessed leader to own our social media and digital video presence across ABC News.

The Director, Social Media & Digital Video is a key leadership role within ABC News Digital, responsible for building and executing social and video strategy across one of the most recognized names in news. This person will own the full arc — from day-to-day content decisions to long-term platform strategy — while working directly with senior stakeholders and leading a team focused on audience growth, engagement, and revenue.

You'll bring a data-informed, audience-first mindset to every platform we're on, with particular emphasis on our highest-growth opportunities: YouTube, TikTok, vertical video, and our owned and operated properties, where new video investment is accelerating. You'll translate analytics and industry trends into action, and collaborate cross-functionally to keep ABC News' voice sharp and consistent everywhere it shows up. This role reports to the Vice President of Digital Media.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of building and scaling digital video and social media operations — not just maintaining them. You're equally comfortable in a strategy meeting with executives and in the weeds of a breaking news moment, where editorial judgment has to be fast and it has to be right. You thrive in high-pressure environments, you know what audiences want before they do, and you understand how growth, engagement, and monetization connect.

Responsibilities:

• Lead ABC News' social media and digital video strategy across 24/7 news and other verticals
• Manages a team of social media and digital video producers, and audience engagement editors, providing guidance, feedback, and fostering a creative and collaborative work environment
• Tackle short and long-term strategy, scrutinize current operations to find ways we can improve workflows and drive efficiencies, and stay on top of trends to keep our group evolving and to ensure that we remain a trusted and top source for news in the digital space.
• Develops and implements innovative and engaging social media and digital video campaigns to enhance audience interaction and grow account following.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing, comms, and synergy partners to align initiatives with overall brand objectives.
• Stays abreast of industry trends and emerging platforms to recommend and integrate new features and technologies into our cross-platform approach.
• Leads collaboration with content creators, data analysts, and editorial teams to ensure cohesive and timely coverage of breaking news, live events and other priorities.
• Analyzes social media metrics and trends to optimize content performance and make recommendations for future strategies.
• Works with the VP, Digital Media to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Social Media/Digital Video or a related industry
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing teams of people
• Minimum of 5 years of experience using video editing software (e.g. Premiere)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience using photo editing software (e.g. Photoshop, Canva)
• Proven experience working in a fast-paced newsroom at a major network, national news organization, or top local market, with strong editorial judgment and ability to make real-time decisions during breaking news and live coverage
• Proven experience in social media management, with a focus on news content
• Demonstrated success in driving audience growth and engagement through strategic social media initiatives
• In-depth knowledge of digital media landscape, including various social media platforms, analytics tools, and emerging trends in digital media
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Adherence to the highest standards of Journalism
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external partners
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor a team
• Must be available to work on short notice during major breaking news events

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing large-scale social media accounts for a big brand

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Journalism, Communications, Online/Multimedia or related field

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $176,400 to $236,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Disney Entertainment Television is a collection of renowned content brands at The Walt Disney Company creating original entertainment and news programming for the company's streaming platforms Disney+, Hulu and Star, and its broadcast and cable networks. Its extensive portfolio is comprised of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content and Onyx Collective, in addition to Disney Television Studios, which include 20th Television, 20th Television Animation, ABC Signature and Walt Disney Television Alternative. Responsible for over 4,500 hours of programming a year across more than 300 programs of all genres, Disney Entertainment Television's creative brands are at the forefront of groundbreaking storytelling, captivating audiences and generating critical acclaim. In 2023, Disney Entertainment Television's programming excellence earned 163 Emmy® nominations across daytime, primetime, news & documentary, and children's & family categories.

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with American Broadcasting Companies, Inc., which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment Television.

American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.