Engagement Editor

Description:

The Columbian is a locally owned, independent news organization serving Clark County and Southwest Washington for more than 135 years. As one of the few remaining family-owned newspapers in the country, we’re committed to strong local journalism, community connection, and newsroom innovation.

We’re looking for a creative, digitally savvy Engagement Editor to help us strengthen our relationship with readers across platforms.

Position Overview

The Engagement Editor connects The Columbian’s journalism with its audience—ensuring stories reach, engage and resonate with the communities we serve.

This role blends editorial judgment with digital strategy, overseeing social media, newsletters, SEO, and audience analytics. You’ll collaborate closely with editors, reporters, and our Audience & Brand Strategist to grow our reach, deepen engagement, and support subscription growth.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role at the intersection of storytelling, community engagement, and digital strategy.

What You’ll Do

Social Media (Leadership & Daily Management)

• Lead the social media strategy for The Columbian and the Camas-Washougal Post-Record.
• Publish accurate, timely posts across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Nextdoor and more.
• Maintain a trusted, consistent editorial voice across platforms.
• Moderate comments, engage with readers, and foster productive community conversations.
• Work with the Audience & Brand Strategist to align visuals, templates and timing with broader campaigns.

Newsletters

• Manage and edit all Columbian newsletters (Morning Briefing, Afternoon Briefing, Preps 360, Food & Culture, Camas-Washougal Weekly Briefing, Obituaries, Editor’s Notes, and more).
• Curate content for clarity, engagement and reader value.
• A/B test subject lines and improve layout with the Audience & Brand Strategist.
• Integrate appropriate marketing campaigns while maintaining editorial integrity.

Analytics, SEO & Digital Optimization

• Use analytics tools (GA4, Marfeel, Social News Desk) to monitor story performance and reader behavior.
• Advise editors and reporters on SEO best practices, headlines, timing and platform strategy.
• Provide data-backed recommendations to improve reach and engagement.
• Collaborate with the Audience & Brand Strategist on paywall performance and subscriber conversion insights.

Website & Digital Coordination

• Coordinate with web developers and the Audience & Brand Strategist on homepage updates, story presentation and digital modules.
• Audit UX and navigation based on reader behavior.
• Ensure consistency between editorial content, newsletters and homepage experience.
• Assemble digital features such as “In Focus” stories and other special projects.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between the newsroom, marketing and development teams.
• Proofread marketing newsletter copy as needed to ensure editorial voice alignment.
• Share analytics insights and support coordinated campaigns.

Copyright & Corrections

• Respond to copyright inquiries and unauthorized use requests.
• Address public corrections and clarifications with editors.
• Serve as an internal resource on copyright and fair-use questions.

Why Work With Us

• Meaningful impact on how local journalism reaches and serves its community
• Collaborative newsroom committed to innovation
• Locally owned, independent organization with long-term stability
• Strong benefits, medical, dental, vision, LTD, Life sick pay and vacation, supportive environment, and opportunities for growth
• We offer $30 an hour and free parking

Requirements:

What You Bring

• Strong journalism background with excellent writing and editing skills
• Fluency in AP style
• Professional experience managing social media for a news organization or brand
• Understanding of SEO, analytics and digital audience growth
• Ability to edit, post and moderate content quickly and accurately
• Strong sense of voice, tone and community engagement
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working across departments
• Ability to balance breaking news demands, deadlines and fast-paced digital workflows