Montana Free Press Social Media Manager Remote · Part time Company website

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Montana Free Press is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit source for Montana news, information, and analysis. Our mission is to produce in-depth public-service journalism that creates positive change and helps move society toward justice and equity. MTFP seeks to uncover the truth and bring to light essential news stories by studying arcane bureaucratic processes, seeking out dark corners of major institutions, digging deep into data and documents, and holding power accountable to the people. We work independently and in collaboration with other news outlets to produce meaningful news stories that have an impact on the lives and livelihoods of local communities.

Description: Montana Free Press (MTFP), Montana's leading nonprofit, digital-first newsroom, is seeking a part-time, digitally forward, creative Social Media Manager who lives and breathes social media. This role will define the way that Montana Free Press and Mountain Journal, our publication which covers environmental developments in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, shows up across platforms, expanding the reach of our journalism and strengthening connections with readers.

The position will lead day-to-day social media efforts, including content creation, audience engagement and platform growth. Working collaboratively with editors and reporters, the Social Media Manager will translate in-depth reporting into compelling, platform-specific storytelling and help shape our overall social strategy.  This role is video-forward: success will be defined in large part by the ability to conceive, edit, and produce journalistically impactful and creative short-form video (Reels, TikTok, etc.).

This role is designed as part-time, but there is potential to expand hours or evolve into a full-time position. Currently planned at 15-22 hours/week with occasional weekend time.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Own and grow Montana Free Press and Mountain Journal’s social presence across Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, Twitter/X, TikTok, and other platforms.
• Pitch, produce, and publish platform-native content including short-form video. That will include developing ideas for one-off videos, producing series and identifying relevant video clips, worthy of contextualization, on the beats we cover 
• Partner with reporters/editors to translate reporting into compelling social storytelling
• Develop and refine our voice, formats, and visual identity on social
• Track performance and iterate based on what resonates
• Create engaging content, including video, text, and visual social strategies tailored to each platform. 
• Engage authentically with followers – and coach reporters on how to engage with followers – to build community around our newsroom’s work.

Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and audience engagement strategies
• Ability to create high-quality, platform-specific content, including writing, photos, graphics, and video
• Experience working in journalism/news and clear understanding of journalistic standards
• Strong editorial judgment—knowing what is newsworthy, what travels on social, and how to maintain accuracy and fairness in fast-moving environments.
• Demonstrated track record of being an organized self-starter 
• A talent for framing stories for social media and knowledge of latest developments on Instagram, Facebook, X and beyond.
• Experience with social media analytics and performance tracking tools
• Interest in or experience with local journalism, environmental journalism, political journalism, policy explainers, health journalism and professional experience as a photo/video/graphics editor is a plus.
• Familiarity with or experience living in Montana/Great Yellowstone Ecosystem a plus, but not required so long as you are comfortable asking questions
• We’re looking for someone who experiments—who brings new ideas, formats, and approaches, and helps push our newsroom beyond traditional social playbooks.

MTFP values a strong, dynamic newsroom and is committed to offering competitive salaries and benefits. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who bring curiosity, dedication, and a drive to succeed. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. We’re looking for people who are eager to grow, contribute, and make an impact — there’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications will be accepted through May 22, 2026.

Statement of Ethics: For more information about Montana Free Press and our mission, visit our website at montanafreepress.org. To read our ethics policy, visit: https://montanafreepress.org/best-practices/#code-of-ethics