Associate Digital Producer I, MPR News

Are you passionate about creating engaging, community-driven stories across platforms? Do you have sharp news judgment and the ability to engage Minnesotans with the stories that matter most to Minnesotans? Do you thrive in a fast-paced digital environment and enjoy experimenting with new tools and creative approaches to delivering the news?

If so, this role may be perfect for you. MPR News is seeking a versatile, digital-savvy journalist to join our team as an Associate Digital Producer I. In this position, you’ll help maintain and enhance MPR News’ digital properties, from producing and copy-editing stories on MPRNews.org to managing social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, and emerging channels. You’ll also support live streaming, events, and other multimedia efforts.

You will collaborate daily with digital producers, reporters, editors, and teams across MPR News, developing strategies to effectively present stories online, engage diverse communities, and grow our audience. You’ll also be expected to have a keen understanding of how AI tools can be ethically integrated into workflows to enhance reporting, ensure accuracy, and maintain trust in our journalism. In this role, you will pitch and create your own content and help us innovate in how we deliver news to a changing audience.

This position sits in the collective bargaining agreement between MPR and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”)

Expected Compensation Range: $23.82 - $28.58/per hour. The exact hourly rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Location: Moorhead, MN Hybrid

Your Role:

• Prioritize and produce stories for digital platforms with an emphasis on audience engagement, inclusivity, and ethical practices
• Use sound news judgment to spotlight stories our core and prospect audiences care about, and choose the best platforms for delivery
• Actively engage with and manage MPR News’ social feeds, including Instagram, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, Reddit, TikTok, and others
• Utilize AI tools for news gathering, production, and analytics, while ensuring ethical standards are maintained in data use, accuracy, and transparency
• Update stories throughout the day as they develop, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Write, edit, and produce news briefs, social media posts, newsletters, and digital articles
• Review stories for clarity, AP/MPR News style, and grammar before publication
• Incorporate multimedia elements (photos, videos, graphics) from local and national sources to enhance storytelling
• Manage homepage story placement, factoring in real-time audience metrics and news priorities
• Collaborate with editors and reporters to develop, clarify, and refine stories
• Propose and implement innovative ways to present evolving stories, such as interactive elements, audio, or video components
• Report and write original digital content as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
• Experience in digital news production, engagement, or digital communications, including managing and growing audiences on social media and/or mobile platforms

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify key stories that resonate with diverse communities
• Proficiency with digital production tools (CMS, social media management, basic image/video editing)
• Ability to work seamlessly with the digital and radio teams to ensure cohesive cross-platform content
• Understanding of the ethical use of AI in journalism, with a commitment to accuracy, fairness, and transparency
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to solving problems and adapting to new challenges
• Familiarity with multimedia production, including the ability to create basic graphics or videos to complement stories
• Basic skills in HTML/CSS for web content management

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Audition
• Fluency in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or other languages spoken in Minnesota is highly desirable
• Knowledge of coding languages (JavaScript, R, SQL, etc.) to assist with data analysis and visualization
• Experience leading social media strategies or campaigns that grow engagement and attract new audiences

Reporting to this Position: None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage some work outside of standard office hours as needed.
• Physical Demands:
  • Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods
  • Required to move about in the community
  • Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping
• Working Conditions:
  • Moderate noise level in typical office settings
  • Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks./per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.