Position Summary

Sightline Media Group (a leading publisher in defense, government, and technology news) and Sunset Publishing (a preeminent voice in Western lifestyle) are seeking a creative, strategic, and data-driven Social Media Manager to lead and elevate their combined social presence across all major platforms.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of the digital media landscape, a proven track record of building and engaging diverse online communities, and expertise in business and technology news. This role is crucial for executing a cohesive, multi-platform content strategy that drives brand awareness, audience growth, engagement, and loyalty for both distinct media brands.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Management

· Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive, cohesive social media strategy aligned with both Sightline Media Group’s and Sunset Publishing’s distinct editorial and business objectives.

· Manage and grow all official social media accounts across major platforms, including X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and emerging channels.

· Develop and maintain a robust content calendar to ensure consistent, timely, and strategic posting across all accounts.

· Manage paid social media campaigns, including audience targeting, execution, optimization, and budget stewardship, as needed.

Content Production & Distribution

· Source, produce, edit, and distribute compelling, platform-specific content—including text, images, short-form video, audiograms, and infographics—that translates complex topics (defense, technology, business) into accessible and engaging formats.

· Collaborate closely with editorial, video, marketing, and product teams to amplify priority stories, investigative projects, and company initiatives.

· Partner with Sightline’s sister media brands to co-create, coordinate, and cross-distribute content, maximizing reach and impact across multiple publisher networks.

Analytics & Community

· Track and analyze social media performance metrics to identify key trends, measure ROI, optimize content, and inform future strategic planning.

· Monitor social channels for breaking news, trending conversations, competitive activity, and audience feedback. Respond promptly and professionally to foster a healthy online community.

· Stay current on emerging social media trends, formats, tools, and best practices to ensure both brands remain at the forefront of digital innovation.

· Identify and engage with key opinion leaders, influencers, and industry analysts in the relevant business, defense, and technology sectors to expand credibility and audience reach.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.

· 3–5 years of professional social media management experience, preferably within a news organization or complex business/tech-focused media environment.

· Demonstrated success in implementing strategies that result in measurable growth and high engagement rates across multiple social platforms.

Technical & Creative Proficiency

· Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, with a strong command of grammar, tone, and the ability to adapt voice for platform-specific audiences.

· Proficiency with social media management and analytics tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, CrowdTangle, native platform analytics).

· Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro) and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop) is strongly preferred.

Organizational & Sector Knowledge

· Strong understanding of the business, technology, and/or defense sectors, with the ability to translate complex topics into engaging, social-friendly formats.

· Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom environment and efficiently manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.

In compliance with Washington, D.C. pay transparency law, the salary range for this role is $80,000–$100,000 annually. This range reflects the minimum and maximum base compensation the company reasonably expects to pay at the time of posting and may vary based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Sightline Media Group is the leading news organization covering military, defense, public sector, federal technology, C4ISR and cyber defense. Our independent, award-winning journalism offers coverage from around the globe, from Sightline headquarters in the Washington, DC area to bureaus and correspondents in the U.S. and around the world. Sightline Media offers our business clientele a wide range of platforms to reach the market. From digital and mobile solutions to events, thought leadership, publications, video and custom options, Sightline works with clients on opportunities that have credibility, integrity, engagement and impact.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

MILITARY TIMES is seeking interns for our 2023 internship program. We’re looking for students and recent graduates with some experience writing and reporting to work with our news team to support daily coverage of the military. You will be assigned stories to report and write to be published on our sites with your byline. You’ll be asked to support larger team-reporting projects. There will be opportunities to work with our video team and to support our social media efforts.  Graphic design and video editing skills are helpful. The internship includes a program for both students who are seeking academic credit and also Editorial Fellow program for recent graduates. Our main office is near Washington DC, but these positions will be available to anyone working remotely.  

HOW TO APPLY

• Send a resume
• 2 writing samples
• A cover letter with a brief description of why you’re interested in working with us.  
• Your potential weekly availability for working with our newsroom.
• Clarification of whether you’re looking for a student internship or an editorial fellowship for recent grads.

COMPENSATION

College credit and potential for hourly pay

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Sightline Media Group is the leading news organization covering military, defense, C4ISR and cyber defense. Our independent, award-winning journalism offers coverage from around the globe, from Sightline headquarters in the Washington, DC area to bureaus and correspondents in the U.S. and around the world. Our brands include Defense News, Military Times, Army Times, Air Force Times, C4ISRNET, Federal Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times. We cover the news that is most important to U.S. troops, the defense industry and the federal workforce.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

HOW TO APPLY

• Send a resume
• Share your three best published writing samples.
• Include a cover letter with a brief description of why you’re interested in working with us. 
• Define your weekly work availability
• Clarify whether you’re looking for a student internship or an editorial fellowship for recent graduates.

COMPENSATION

College credit and hourly pay