NOW HIRING: Digital optimization specialist (contractor)

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution seeks a digital optimization specialist for a contract position on its Hyperlocal Content Team. The Hyperlocal Digital Optimization Specialist performs three main functions: digital optimization of content produced for hyperlocal audiences, content production to meet the needs of local search and social media support for distribution of hyperlocal content.

The primary duties include tagging and writing page titles and headlines for AJC.com and myAJC.com content. The position will also optimize each content item for search, social media and emerging distribution channels.

Content production duties include researching search trends in key metro Atlanta communities and delivering content that matches those search terms. This may include supplemental stories or content hubs to complement or gather existing breaking news content. Resource pages that capture highly searched information will be the bulk of the content production work.

The ideal candidate for this job will have experience working to enhance content created by others either on a digital or copy desk. The position is much like a hybrid between a digital producer and copy editor in a traditional newsroom setting.

The optimization specialist, informed by analysis of news and social media metrics, will work directly with content producers and distribution team members to grow local audience by being an evangelist for smart distribution of content.

The person in this position also contributes on to social media content promotion.

A successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-change environment and be comfortable with experimentation.

The position is 40 hours per week in a contract role at the AJC.

JOB DUTIES & TASKS:

• Tag content for search optimization and to send it to the appropriate distribution channels
• Rewrite page titles and headlines for search engine optimization
• Perform social media duties as needed
• Track down and choose visuals to drive audience engagement
• Collaborate with local team, topic editors and Audience content editors to plan search optimization strategies for advance coverage of key events for the local audience
• Proactively monitors search trends to ensure content optimization methods are effective and changing with the needs of search engines
• Identifies related content and adds hyperlinks and embedded content throughout stories
• Optimizes as many as 20 pieces of content per day
• Produces content to strategically and systematically capture search audiences

KEY SKILLS AND TRAITS:

• Is flexible and able to effectively pivot from crime news to features to education and local government.
• Collaborative; likes to work with others to achieve success.
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Can identify optimization opportunities and communicate that to other journalists in a professional and effective manner.
• Constant learner; has a proven record of adapting to new tools and demands.
• Driven; does not wait to be told what to do next or how to increase skills and impact for audiences.
• Adaptable to technology; embraces new and emerging tools to drive reach and impact.