Assistant Editor

Colorado Rockies newspaper seeks assistant editor

Here at the Summit Daily News, we punch above our weight, producing award-winning, impactful journalism that seeks to hold authority accountable and strengthen the bonds of our communities.

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented managing editor to serve in the No. 2 leadership position in the newsroom. The managing editor works to plot coverage, edit stories, handle breaking news and oversee a daily news operation that produces a daily paper, daily and weekly email newsletters, multiple magazines and special sections, and a website that sees more than 1 million pageviews per month.

Our assistant editor role is a combination of copy desk chief and magazines editor and is responsible for supporting the editor in a variety of newsroom functions. This position edits or rewrites copy, provides assignments and guidance to reporters and freelancers, and sends pages to the press.

The ideal candidate will be a leader and a planner who knows how to strategize and execute a wide variety of content — from in-depth features to concise breaking news updates — working collaboratively with writers, designers and editors on coverage. The right candidate will be comfortable managing a content calendar while coaching and supporting a team of young writers to achieve short- and long-term assignment goals. We also need someone with a digital-first mindset who understands that if the website is strong, the print product will be, too.

The schedule for this position involves late nights and weekend availability. The current schedule for this role involves a Wednesday to Sunday shift, but it could change based on newsroom’s needs. This is a salaried position with a pay range between $58,000 and $62,000 based on experience.

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

Demonstrate sound editorial judgment, including an understanding of institutional guidelines on ethics, tone and subject matter
Edit stories for clarity, accuracy, readability, content, style and grammar for the daily newspaper, website and magazines
Provide feedback to reporters on performance and make suggestions on sources or additional facts needed for stories
Be flexible in a changing, fast-paced environment and fill in for reporting vacancies as needed
Build strong community connections through personal interaction
Assist copy desk with layout by providing additional materials such as graphs, charts, photos or videos so the reader can better understand story concepts.
Lay out stories for the daily paper, weekly special sections and occasional special projects.
Hire freelance writers for magazine publications.
Create content plans for all magazines, distribute assignments to in-house staff and freelancers.
Manage scheduling on the copy desk.
Maintain production schedules and update editor on progress or issues.
Participate in content planning to decide on direction, design and future trends of publication.
Assist in planning of series and feature stories.
Post news stories online and to social media.
Lead one-on-one and group sessions to coach, guide and direct staff work assignments.
Interact with all editorial, advertising, business office, design and production staff.
Participates in community events and company functions.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

5+ years of newsroom experience
At least one year of experience as an editor
Experience with content management systems
Knowledge of AP style
Understanding of digital distribution and analytics
Spanish language skills preferred
Availability to work some nights and weekends
Must have a current driver’s license or the ability to get one

Swift Communications is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay: $56,000-$60,000 depending on experience. Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance after 60 days of employment, $500 recreation bonus after six months and 401k Plan, including a company match, after one year. Use of the office ski pass is also available.

To apply, please email your resume to apply@summitdaily.com.