The Texas Tribune, the state’s go-to source for Texas politics and public policy news, is hiring an assistant director of audience to help grow and shape the organization’s presence on different platforms and serve its readers.
Our assistant director is responsible for developing new strategies, tools and workflows as social and news platforms evolve. That includes building our presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Apple News and emerging platforms like TikTok. Engaging our readers, monitoring on-site and off-platform conversations for story ideas and integrating readers’ contributions into audience updates for the newsroom are essential tasks of this role. The assistant editor won’t do this work alone — they will manage an audience producer as well as one or two student fellows per semester. The assistant editor will also collaborate with the other members of the audience team to ensure the Tribune is a leading voice in the online conversation around Texas policy and politics — wherever those conversations are happening.
This role will report to the director of audience and can be based anywhere in Texas, though we have a slight preference for employees based in, or willing to move to, Austin.
The salary for this position starts at $70,000 + depending on qualifications.
Responsibilities
Qualifications:
About The Texas Tribune
Here’s what you should know about the Tribune. From day one we’ve had disruption, innovation and risk-taking in our DNA. We’re ambitious as all get out but still have the punch-above-your-weight mentality of a scrappy start-up. We believe we can meet the demands of our audience and our own expectations for excellence without breaking the bank — or our staff. We understand not everything is a story for us — we have to make choices — but we’re always looking to expand our boundaries. We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for media these days obligates us to find a different way, reliable and sustainable, to fund serious journalism. We’re nonpartisan because we live in the United States of Confirmation Bias — and we don’t need to be part of the problem. We don’t need to be yet another source of information affirming the voices and perspectives that are already in people’s heads. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.
All of us at the Trib believe the best way to achieve that mission is to resemble the state we cover. We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom for people of all backgrounds and ages, and we’re taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this role, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
Location
The Texas Tribune office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol building. This position is based in Austin, but we will consider candidates who are based elsewhere in Texas. We have colleagues in the organization that come into the office on a regular basis and colleagues that are based in various cities throughout the United States.
Benefits
This job is full time and has the following benefits:
How to Apply
Submit your application here before April 1, with a resume and examples of your work, please submit a cover letter detailing your vision for this position and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.
The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.
Our assistant director is responsible for developing new strategies, tools and workflows as social and news platforms evolve. That includes building our presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Apple News and emerging platforms like TikTok. Engaging our readers, monitoring on-site and off-platform conversations for story ideas and integrating readers’ contributions into audience updates for the newsroom are essential tasks of this role. The assistant editor won’t do this work alone — they will manage an audience producer as well as one or two student fellows per semester. The assistant editor will also collaborate with the other members of the audience team to ensure the Tribune is a leading voice in the online conversation around Texas policy and politics — wherever those conversations are happening.
This role will report to the director of audience and can be based anywhere in Texas, though we have a slight preference for employees based in, or willing to move to, Austin.
The salary for this position starts at $70,000 + depending on qualifications.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Tribune’s strategy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc,
- Providing coverage of breaking news and live events, conceiving and executing innovative social plans for enterprise projects and engaging readers in audience-driven projects
- Build creative social native content (e.g. Instagram stories) by collaborating with the Tribune’s photo and design teams
- Partner with editors across newsdesk to workshop on-platform framing of articles that leverages off-platform performance and readers’ interest
- Interpret data and signals to know what pieces are the right fit for what audiences both on and off our platforms
- Work with journalists in the newsroom on best social media practices, including framing pieces for specific audiences
Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree and 3+ years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Prior experience working in social media or on the audience team in a newsroom
- A strong eye for visual storytelling — be it via photos, videos or graphics
- Passion for serving readers and helping them better understand government and public policy in service of a stronger democracy
- Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment or remotely.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing and meeting deadlines
- A strong sense and devotion to journalistic ethics and libel law
- Strong communication and storytelling skills using AP style and ability to research and fact check information on your own using excellent writing, reviewing, and editing skills
About The Texas Tribune
Here’s what you should know about the Tribune. From day one we’ve had disruption, innovation and risk-taking in our DNA. We’re ambitious as all get out but still have the punch-above-your-weight mentality of a scrappy start-up. We believe we can meet the demands of our audience and our own expectations for excellence without breaking the bank — or our staff. We understand not everything is a story for us — we have to make choices — but we’re always looking to expand our boundaries. We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for media these days obligates us to find a different way, reliable and sustainable, to fund serious journalism. We’re nonpartisan because we live in the United States of Confirmation Bias — and we don’t need to be part of the problem. We don’t need to be yet another source of information affirming the voices and perspectives that are already in people’s heads. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.
All of us at the Trib believe the best way to achieve that mission is to resemble the state we cover. We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom for people of all backgrounds and ages, and we’re taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this role, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
Location
The Texas Tribune office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol building. This position is based in Austin, but we will consider candidates who are based elsewhere in Texas. We have colleagues in the organization that come into the office on a regular basis and colleagues that are based in various cities throughout the United States.
Benefits
This job is full time and has the following benefits:
- Medical, vision and dental insurance
- A $50-a-month cellphone stipend
- 20 days of paid time off each year
- 12 paid holidays
- Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave plus four weeks of additional job protection
- Annual 401(k) match of $2,000
- Support for professional training and career development
- Remote working flexibility
How to Apply
Submit your application here before April 1, with a resume and examples of your work, please submit a cover letter detailing your vision for this position and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.
The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.