Producer, Community Engagement - LAist

Position Summary

At its heart, engaged journalism is about removing barriers for participation and creating a welcoming space so that more people can have access to the information they need to be their own best advocates. At LAist, we recognize that deepening our relationship with the communities we serve is critical to our membership‑based organization and to the region’s information ecosystem. The community engagement producer will work closely with the rest of LAist’s award‑winning community engagement team to help ensure that communities are not only represented at all levels of the editorial operation but also feel welcome through engaged journalism that furthers our commitment to producing journalism that reflects the diverse needs of Southern Californians.

They will look for creative approaches to engage the community in coverage and identify the information needs and habits of stakeholders. Working in LAist’s multiplatform newsroom, they will also write and produce news stories, post online stories, write newsletters, use social media and engagement tools, engage sources and listeners/users, and develop engagement projects. They will identify opportunities to connect their work to that of other departments, including Content and Membership.

Ideal candidates will be based in L.A. County and will work across LAist platforms – broadcast, web/mobile, social media, and events. They will collaborate with colleagues on all platforms, offer ideas, and help shape coverage to serve and inform audiences effectively. Through high‑quality coverage and engagement, the producer helps amplify issues and memorable stories in Los Angeles, Orange County and across Southern California.

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

$37.02 – 42.79 per hour. The exact hourly rate is determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Hybrid, Pasadena, CA

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Open until filled.

• Serve as liaison between LAist’s newsroom and various community organizations and build relationships for projects on various beats.
• Work with the community engagement team, editors, and reporters to produce content, including but not limited to digital and broadcast content and live events.
• Facilitate engagement opportunities with community partners, including but not limited to in‑person listening sessions, workshops, distribution of print materials and co‑produced reporting projects.
• Write, publish, and promote callouts to collect insights from community members.
• Assist with research projects, interviews, and data insights.
• Collaborate with the audience team to incorporate engagement tactics into social and newsletters.
• Use engagement tools like Hearken, Typeform and text‑messaging services.
• Responsible for high standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy and timeliness.
• Pitch, report and produce occasional news stories.
• Write and edit copy as required.
• Keep up to date on current events (local, national and international).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years of professional journalism experience.

• Experience in social media and content production.
• Interest in social networking, content aggregation and new trends in digital media.
• Familiarity with data analysis.
• Strong news judgment.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues in multiple departments/divisions.
• Strong interest in local and regional news and general depth of knowledge about issues and current events.
• Ability to work with changing deadlines and in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work simultaneously on short and long‑term projects.
• Familiarity with…