Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from MLK50: Justice Through Journalism
Job overview
The Community Engagement Manager at MLK50 is responsible for growing and deepening community relationships to support civic engagement and trust in the nonprofit newsroom.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves designing and implementing engagement strategies across platforms, managing social media and newsletters, collaborating with development on fundraising alignment, analyzing audience data, and serving as a connector between the community and newsroom.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have 2-4 years of experience in journalism, marketing, communications, digital engagement, or nonprofit outreach, with skills in social media, multimedia content creation, email marketing, CRM platforms, and a commitment to social justice and civic engagement; bilingual skills and audio/visual storytelling are preferred.
Work environment and culture
MLK50 values community, accountability, courage, and justice, fostering a newsroom culture that reflects these principles and focuses on supporting working-class Memphians.
Company information
MLK50 is an award-winning nonprofit digital news site in Memphis focusing on poverty, power, and policy to support workers and promote justice through journalism.
Team overview
The Community Engagement Manager reports to the Co-executive Director of Business and works closely with editorial and development teams to bridge community and newsroom efforts.
Job location and travel
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, specifics about remote work or travel are not provided.
Unique job features
This role uniquely bridges editorial and business functions to foster community trust and engagement, with a strong emphasis on strategic communication and civic participation.
Company overview
MLK50: Justice Through Journalism is a nonprofit news organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, focused on economic justice and the intersection of race, poverty, and power. Founded in 2017 by journalist Wendi C. Thomas, the outlet produces investigative reporting and in-depth stories that highlight inequities affecting marginalized communities, particularly Black residents. MLK50 sustains its operations through grants, donations, and partnerships rather than traditional advertising or subscriptions. The organization has received national recognition for its impactful journalism, including awards from the Online News Association and the Institute for Nonprofit News. Candidates should be aware that MLK50 is mission-driven, emphasizing accountability, community engagement, and social change.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight strategic community engagement experience, emphasizing your ability to build connections between diverse groups and newsroom teams, reflecting MLK50’s values of community, accountability, courage, and justice.
Emphasize skills in social media management, newsletter production, and multimedia content creation, including any experience with tools like Canva, Mailchimp, or CRM platforms, as these are key to the role.
Apply through multiple channels such as MLK50’s official website and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and chances of being noticed.
Connect with current MLK50 staff in community engagement or editorial roles on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent impactful stories they’ve published or expressing admiration for MLK50’s commitment to social justice and community-centered journalism.
Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords from the job description such as 'community engagement,' 'strategic planning,' 'social media,' 'newsletter management,' 'fundraising collaboration,' and 'audience analytics' to ensure it passes initial screenings.
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