Community Engagement Coordinator

The Online News Association (ONA) is seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator to serve as a vital connector between ONA and its network of journalists and changemakers. This role will play a key part of advancing ONA’s new strategic plan, particularly the pillar focused on Connected Communities and Networks, by fostering meaningful connections among ONA members, alumni and partners.

ONA is seeking a dynamic community builder with a deep understanding of journalism, a passion for creating inclusive spaces and a talent for turning engagement into sustained relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Five women standing closely together look up, smiling at a cell phone held by the left-most woman to take a group selfie

Community Connection and Engagement

  • Serve as connective tissue between ONA and its community, helping members feel seen and connected.
  • Represent ONA as a community ambassador online via platforms (including ONA Slack, social accounts and newsletters) and virtual gatherings.
  • Facilitate conversations and collaborations among members, ensuring ONA’s digital spaces are active, inclusive and mission-aligned
  • Actively engage current participants and alumni across ONA programs, including the Women’s Leadership Accelerator, AI in Journalism Initiative and MJ Bear Fellowship Program, to encourage continued participation and relationships with ONA
  • Contribute to developing ONA’s strategic foresight capabilities through community listening and trend identification

A sign on a tabletop easel asks, How many ONA Annual Conferences have you attended? In front of it are plastic bins holding buttons, each with a number representing the number of conferences someone has attendedStorytelling and Content

  • Contribute to community-focused online storytelling by spotlighting member achievements, milestonesand ideas
  • Develop creative ways to highlight ONA’s community through campaigns and features

Data-Informed Growth

  • Analyze engagement data to identify opportunities for deeper connection and community growth
  • Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies to engage underrepresented segments within the ONA community and broader journalism ecosystem

Event and On-Site Support

  • A man stands behind a podium holding up an Online Journalism Award trophy in victoryProvide on-site community engagement and support during ONA’s signature events, including ONA26 in Chicago and the Online Journalism Awards, by helping create a welcoming, connected experience for attendees
  • Support virtual events by facilitating audience participation and sharing highlights across platforms

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated 3-5 years of experience in community engagement and relationship-building across online and offline settings
  • Background in journalism or experience working with newsrooms, journalism support organizations or media programs
  • Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience producing content for newsletters and/or social media
  • Skilled communicator comfortable interacting with diverse stakeholders and community members
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Experience analyzing community or engagement metrics
  • Must be willing to travel to in-person ONA events, including but not limited to the annual conference, regional events and board meetings
  • Must be able to work and interact remotely and with strong self-direction skills
  • Must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners
  • Comfortable working with the Google Suite, Slack, Notion, Mailchimp and Canva

Additional Details:

Reports to: CEO/Executive Director

Works closely with: Head of Programs and Head of Strategic Partnerships

Hours and location: Full-time, remote schedule. ONA has office space in Washington, D.C. but the staff works remotely from their homes around the U.S.

Salary: $65,000 – $70,000 annually

Benefits include, and are not limited to:

  • Flexible remote work schedules
  • Generous medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Vacation, personal and sick leave, plus holidays and additional days off annually
  • 401K plan match
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance plan
  • Paid parental leave
  • Partial reimbursement for mobile call and data plans
  • Partial gym/fitness reimbursement

How to apply:

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Ready to apply? We’d love to learn more about you and your approach to building community. Use the form below to submit your application for the Community Engagement Coordinator role. You’ll be asked a few brief questions and to submit your resume. You will not submit a cover letter; instead, you’ll be asked to respond to an open-ended question and to share samples of your work.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, Dec. 4, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About ONA

Founded in 1999, the Online News Association (ONA) is a nonprofit membership organization and the essential hub for adaptive leadership in journalism. We convene and equip changemakers in journalism with the insights, training and connections they need to shape the future of the industry. ONA’s members include journalism professionals in all functions and career stages and a network of supporters across industries, including philanthropy, technology, and academia. ONA offers virtual and in-person programs throughout the year, hosts an annual conference and administers the Online Journalism Awards.

ONA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Community Engagement Coordinator Application