California Video Producer & Social Media Specialist

Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK

Role Overview

• Collaborate closely with reporters, editors, the audience team, local visual journalists and national video colleagues to enhance multimedia storytelling and amplify news coverage for Californians.
• Actively seek, secure, and retain publishing rights to compelling UGC video content in real time, leveraging social platforms and direct community engagement.
• Produce and edit UGC video, optimizing it for California viewers and ensuring it aligns with the USA TODAY NETWORK’s editorial standards.
• Conceive, shoot, and produce original vertical video stories.
• Design engaging content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging platforms to maximize reach, watch time, and retention among California audiences.
• Develop and execute audience growth strategies, using real-time analytics and audience insights to expand and retain viewership.
• Serve as a visible on-camera brand ambassador for the network, delivering standups from news scenes or studio setups, and contributing stills as needed.
• Stay on top of social trends, platform developments, and innovative UGC acquisition techniques to keep our content fresh, relevant, and audience focused.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, media production, communications, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven track record shooting and editing original video and acquiring and producing UGC video, with a portfolio that demonstrates audience-centric storytelling and growth on social platforms.
• Expertise with mobile video creation tools, professional editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, social platform apps), and UGC vetting and rights management.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to rapidly changing news situations, especially when acquiring and publishing UGC in real time.
• Strong understanding of social media algorithms, audience analytics, and UGC trends, with a passion for local California stories and communities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to cover stories and source UGC across California as needed.
• Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, and weekends, as required by news and UGC acquisition needs.