Deep South Today seeks a skilled and innovative Community Engagement & Multimedia Specialist on a contract basis to join the DST Connect team.

This role will focus on enhancing community engagement and creating compelling multimedia content, including Spanish-translated stories and video content. The specialist will be expected to work closely with local newsrooms to develop and implement strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

About the Team:
At Deep South Today, we’re dedicated to reshaping the landscape of local journalism in the Deep South. Our DST Connect initiative is the driving force behind this mission, aiming to empower local newsrooms with innovative strategies and tools for sustainable growth. In this vital role, you’ll be a key member of the DST Connect team, where your work will directly impact our network of local newsrooms.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Engagement and Outreach:

  • Develop and execute strategies to foster deeper connections between the newsrooms and their communities
  • Organize and participate in community events, forums, and discussions to gather feedback and story ideas

2. Spanish Translation of Stories:

  • Translate selected stories into Spanish, ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance
  • Occasionally provide bilingual reporting and produce high-quality, translated content

3. Video Content Creation:

  • Develop and produce engaging video content that complements and enhances news stories
  • Collaborate with reporters, editors and contracted talent to storyboard and script video segments

4. Multimedia Content Innovation:

  • Explore and implement innovative multimedia content formats, including podcasts, interactive graphics, and photo essays
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in multimedia journalism

5. Cross-Platform Content Distribution:

  • Ensure that multimedia content is effectively distributed across various platforms, including websites, social media, and mobile apps
  • Work with the Tech & Web Development Specialist to optimize content for different digital mediums

6. Collaboration with DST Connect Team:

  • Collaborate with other DST Connect team members, including the Brand & Product Designer and Distribution & Engagement Specialist, to align multimedia content with overall digital strategy
  • Participate in regular team meetings and provide updates on project progress

Deliverables:

  • Regular production of Spanish-translated stories, ensuring a steady stream of bilingual content
  • Creation of engaging video content, including news clips, feature stories, and informational segments
  • Innovative multimedia projects that enhance storytelling and audience engagement
  • Reports on community feedback, engagement metrics, and effectiveness of multimedia content

Contract Details:

  • Duration: The contract will initially be for a period of 12 months
  • Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
  • Reporting: The Community Engagement & Multimedia Specialist will report to the Director of Growth & Innovation at Deep South Today.

Qualifications:

  • Experience in multimedia content production and community engagement
  • Fluent in both English and Spanish, with experience in translation and creating bilingual content
  • Strong understanding of digital media platforms and content distribution strategies
  • Creative storytelling skills and proficiency in video production and editing tools
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
  • A solid foundation in journalism 

Are you the right person for this contractor role? Send a cover letter and resumé to Lauchlin Fields, Director of Growth & Innovation, at [email protected].

As an equal opportunity employer, we’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents the people and communities we serve. We are aware that some otherwise qualified candidates may not meet all the criteria listed above. We encourage those candidates to apply. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people who are differently abled.