Editorial Writer/Columnist

Title: Editorial Writer/columnist

Department: News

General Summary of Position: The Editorial Writer/Columnist is primarily responsible for the editorial page and commentary content. The Editorial Writer/Columnist also handles letters to the editor submissions, writes editorials, answers phone calls from the public and assigns and edits editorial as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

A. Administration

1. Primary duty includes originality in investigating, reporting, and writing.

2. Answers incoming phone calls and emails in a professional, courteous manner and in accordance with company telephone policies and procedures. Assists readers seeking help with submissions or requesting a meeting with the editorial board.

3. Collaborates with supervisors and editorial board to develop policy positions.

4. Communicates with editors regularly about story assignments so that editors can plan the stories in the newspaper to assure the newspaper is completed on schedule and that stories are posted online.

5. Assists in editing all content for editorial and op-ed pages, including letters to the editor, by reviewing copy and correcting errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.

B. Writing

1. Develops story or content ideas, considering reader appeal for editorials.

2. Researches and analyzes background information related to stories in order to be able to provide complete and accurate information.

3. Writes clear and compelling daily editorials for publication with information gathered, verifying facts and statistics, using standard reference sources.

4. Reads drafts of editorials to detect and correct errors in spellings, punctuation, and syntax.

C. Other

1. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education, Experience, and Knowledge Requirements:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or related field.

• Preferred: 3 years of experience developing, writing and reporting news stories and editorials for a newspaper.

• Thorough knowledge of English language, grammar, spelling and style.

• Thorough knowledge of community and national issues.

• Thorough knowledge of computers, newspaper system, research tools, etc.

Skill Requirements:

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Time Management – Managing one’s own time.

• Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Ability Requirements:

• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Ability to communicate information and ideas in both speaking and writing so others will understand.

• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Ability to develop story ideas and sources

• Ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem under deadline pressure.

• Ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic.

• Ability to work effectively with coworkers and others

• Ability to drive a vehicle

Physical Requirements (sensory acuity)

• The job requires the following demands daily: Hear normal conversation, speak clearly so someone else can understand what you say, see nearby objects and have accurate depth perception.

• The job requires the following demands more than once or twice a week: hear faint sounds, signals, etc. and see distant objects.

Physical Requirements (coordination, dexterity and strength):

• The job requires the following physical demands daily: finger dexterity, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking.

Work Environment:

• Moderate noises (business office with computer and printers, light traffic)

• Often requires traveling to meetings and story locations in a vehicle and exposure to outdoor weather conditions

• Interacts with other

We are also an equal-opportunity employer, committed to recruiting, maintaining and developing a diverse workforce while providing unique opportunities and career paths for our employees. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply.

This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, vision and dental insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, paid parental leave and 401K plan.