Wanna be MTV's first Twitter jockey? Remember the MTV VJ? That's so two decades ago. Now the network is looking to hire its first TJ, or Twitter Jockey.

MTV officials say the search is on for a new social media maven who will engage with the MTV audience and serve as a liaison between viewers and network honchos.

The network has identified 18 potential candidates and is asking its audience to find two more. The 20 hopefuls will compete in a series of online challenges this summer designed to reveal their personalities and demonstrate how they connect with Twitter followers.

"The hope is that this person will be dynamic, engaging and energized, an enthusiast within the social media world," said Dave Sirulnik, the executive overseeing the contest. "Somebody who will represent the audience by taking their thoughts and questions and ... through an ongoing dialogue with them, be able to bring those questions inside the walls here to the people who make MTV."

The new Twitter Jockey will report on MTV events, such as the Video Music Awards in September, and appear on-air periodically.

Viewers can nominate themselves or their favorite Facebook friends for the position online beginning Monday. The MTV TJ will be based in New York and earn a six-figure salary.

- Posted on June 15, 2010