We’re hiring a new Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief
The Community Edition

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Editor in Chief – The Community Edition
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications (WLUSP) and Publisher

GENERAL FUNCTION: the Editor-in-Chief of the Community Edition (TCE) is responsible for coordinating production of TCE on a monthly schedule and ensuring all deadlines are met. This position includes high level decision making, including establishing and enforcing the news values and ethics of Waterloo Region’s only community-created, independent newspaper.

The EIC will be responsible for finding stories, coordinating a team, writing, editing and laying out content for each monthly issue and liaising with contributors to ensure content is submitted in time for deadlines.

The EIC will be responsible for building the online presence of TCE (communityedition.ca) soliciting new writers and maintaining regular updates to web content.

Hours: 30/hr per week (fluctuating) 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Work with WLUSP staff and volunteers to develop and produce the Community Edition both in print and online.
  2. Manage the core team: staff writers, staff photographers and social media coordinators, in addition to approximately 50 general volunteers
  3. Coordinate all advertising placements with the WLUSP advertising manager
  4. Develop connections with community groups and organizations to solicit feedback on content and story ideas for future issues
  5. Generate story ideas and ensure stories are assigned and written as well as accompanying media is produced or collected
  6. Regularly write stories
  7. Edit all content to be published
  8. Upload stories to website
  9. Liaise regularly with WLUSP editors (The Cord) to collaborate on or exchange stories.
  10. Attend all staff meetings unless due warning is provided to the President
  11. Attend all meetings and conferences as required by the Publisher
  12. Ensure that TCE is sent to the printer on time
  13. Manage and promote TCE’s social media presence
  14. Oversee and recruit all TCE volunteers
  15. Work with the Publisher and WLUSP Web Manager to improve all web properties relating to TCE
  16. Attend community events to provide coverage and promote TCE
  17. Find and participate in unique ways to engage community in meaningful dialogue (hosting events, live tweeting, moderating debates etc)
  18. Aid in the planning, coordination and execution of Steel Rails
  19. Any other reasonable duties as required by the Publisher
  20. Manage merchandise at the Etsy shop

THE APPLICANT MUST:

  1. Have been published before — whether that be in an academic journal, a student newspaper, community newspaper, a national newspaper, etc.
  2. Have strong written skills
  3. Have strong verbal communication skills
  4. Experience in management or leadership
  5. Live in Waterloo Region … and love living in Waterloo Region

NICE TO HAVE, NOT A MUST:

  1. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
  2. Proven design skills and aesthetic
  3. Strong writing skills for all formats including briefs and long format
  4. Strong understanding of Canadian Press style
  5. Working knowledge of Canadian media law
  6. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners
  7. Working knowledge of WordPress
  8. Working knowledge of photography
  9. Basic coding an asset
  10. Takes their coffee black — we don’t have time for double doubles

Salary range: $27,000-$30,000 with two weeks paid vacation and health benefits.

Applications are due by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019. This posting will be reposted if the job is not filled. If interested please send a cover letter, resume and three pieces of relevant work (writing and/or design) to ed@wlusp.com. In your cover letter, please include why you love Waterloo Region.

mm

Lakyn is the former publisher of the Community Edition. She held this position from September 2015 - March 2020. She can often be found on the Ethel's patio pointing out every dog passing by.