USA TODAY Co., Inc. is hiring: Audience Producer in Phoenix

About The Position

The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an Audience Producer to join our audience engagement team.

The ideal candidate has experience creating and optimizing visual content for social media, can effectively connect journalism ranging from breaking news to enterprise investigations with audiences across visual and video-first platforms and enjoys brainstorming creative, data-informed ways to engage and grow audiences on new and existing social and off‑site platforms.

This role focuses heavily on Instagram, TikTok and other emerging video‑first or community platforms, using those spaces to reach new and underserved audiences. Creating vertical videos, scroll‑stopping social cards and innovative audience engagement plans will be top priorities, along with using social media to build loyalty.

Responsibilities

• Help manage and develop growth strategy for azcentral’s social media accounts including emerging video‑driven platforms.
• Lead initiatives to reach younger and underserved audiences through innovative, visual‑first storytelling.
• Pitch, produce and edit vertical video content.
• Create and guide Instagram design decisions that strengthen brand consistency and engagement.
• Collaborate with reporters, editors and visual teams on rollout plans for enterprise and investigative projects.
• Monitor platform trends, algorithm updates and audience behaviors to inform strategy.
• Brainstorm and pitch audience engagement initiatives and experiments that include user‑generated content and interactive formats.
• Communicate performance insights and platform best practices clearly across teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent experience.
• At least 1–3 years’ experience managing social media for a news organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in vertical video production and visual editing for social platforms.
• Strong eye for design and storytelling through Instagram carousels and social cards.
• Experience with Adobe Premiere, Cap Cut or similar video editing tools.
• Familiarity with analytics and social management tools such as Social News Desk, True Anthem, Parse.ly or Meta Business Suite.
• Proven ability to communicate ideas clearly and work collaboratively across newsroom teams.
• Experience with TikTok, Instagram Reels, Pinterest, Threads, Reddit and other emerging platforms.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file in PDF format that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume (one to two pages)
• A cover letter outlining your approach to the role
• Links to 3–5 examples of digital storytelling, vertical videos or social graphics that best reflect your work

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.

Gannett 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 or employee’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 Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett 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 individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.