What are the responsibilities and job description for the Editor position at JG Media?
Description
THE COMPANY
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the first edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pflugerville. Now, Community Impact Newspaper distributes hyperlocal news and information to millions of local residents and business owners each day online and monthly by mail. Community Impact Newspaper is invested in the communities we serve and has dedicated reporters in each community who attend city council and school board meetings. We are among the first to report on local business, transportation, education, and health care. Our staff serve on chamber boards, volunteer with nonprofits, and are involved in our communities to make them better places to live and work. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team.
THE POSITION
We are seeking a hands-on, hard-working, detail-oriented professional to join our team making a difference in our community. The Editor is responsible for the entire production process of an assigned market's publication(s), including editing all content that goes into the publication, leading and providing oversight to their team, and ensuring timely submission of accurate, informative, and relevant news and feature stories.
JOB DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES
Review, fact check, and edit all articles to ensure the highest level of accuracy in reporting, that the tone and context of articles are appropriate, and that all sources are properly verified
Lead, coach, and help manage the performance of Reporters, freelance writers and interns as applicable
Interview news sources in person (or occasionally from the desk) from a variety of perspectives to ensure accurate reporting
Generate original story ideas and present them at internal planning meetings
Attend city council meetings, school board meetings, chamber meetings and other community events to serve as the "face" of the paper, develop relationships with sources and listen for story ideas
Exercise independent discretion and judgment in researching and writing content-appropriate and engaging stories for print and digital, as well as contributing graphics and sidebar content for each story
Coordinate with our Digital team to ensure the market’s webpage accurately reflects its print edition
Represent Community Impact Newspaper in a positive and professional manner, and exercise discretion in how and where to promote the company to readers, community leaders, news sources, and the general public
Ensure our readers get the highest-quality news by adhering to Community Impact Newspaper’s editorial stylebook and AP style guidelines, checking art and text for consistency, and completing all writing within established deadlines
TEAM MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
We have high expectations of our team and expect every team member to possess and demonstrate the following characteristics:
Positive attitude and a strong work ethic
Hold true to our core values: Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity
The genuine desire to achieve your very best and improve everyday
The initiative to identify opportunities for organizational improvement and the drive to take action and ownership in helping the organization succeed both by contributing individually and working together as a team
In addition to general team member expectations, this role specifically requires the following:
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or related coursework
Ability to pass the Company's copyediting and writing tests
At least three (3) years of prior experience with print or digital publication(s)
Experience in interviewing, writing, page design and photography
Expert knowledge of AP style
Proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Google suite
Valid driver’s license, motorist insurance, and own transportation
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with multimedia platforms such as online slideshows and video
Experience with public speaking and presentations
Experience with Adobe InCopy and a content management system
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We offer a competitive and attractive package of compensation and benefits including health insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick pay, and holidays.
The "community" in Community Impact Newspapers represents you. As an organization that reflects the people and businesses we serve, we hold diversity & inclusion principles to be extremely important to our mission and values. Employment decisions made at Community Impact Newspapers are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics; instead, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.