The historic Chicago Defender is looking for an Executive Editor. In this role, the Executive Editor will ensure engaging, credible, newsworthy and informative content. The Executive Editor will be responsible for ensuring all content is consistent in terms of style and quality and optimized for search and user experience for all channels including online, social media, video, and print.
The Executive Editor will set the tone and define the editorial guidelines for the Chicago Defender, organize and manage the development of all copy submitted for the publication; develop the editorial calendar and enforce deadlines for copy among the writing staff.
REPORTS T0:
Publisher of the Chicago Defender
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop a content strategy for the Chicago Defender that supports and extends the long-term vision of the organization.
- Develop and implement a process and benchmarks to monitor the effectiveness of the content strategy based on stated goals
- Generate story ideas for original content and write engaging content that can be shared across the RTM digital platform
- Develop standards, systems and best practices for content creation and distribution
- Supervise writers, editors, and content contributors for the Chicago Defender
- Continually monitor the website to ensure timeliness, accuracy and usability of content
- Ensure that editorial staff consistently optimizes content to drive organic search traffic
SUCCESS CRITERIA:
- Impactful content creation
- Website and social media traffic growth
- Reader conversion metrics definition and growth
- Social media engagement growth
CHARACTERISTICS WE SEEK:
- Demonstrated success in program leadership and project management.
- Familiarity and experience with the North American local media landscape — in particular, Black-owned and -operated local news media — and current technology and business issues in the industry.
- Experience in local news media companies or related service providers is a plus; as well as knowledge and understanding of issues unique to the Black media community and its audiences.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills — oral, written, and visual.
- Initiative and self-reliance; ability to manage several equivalent priorities; ability to collaborate with peers inside and constituents outside of organization; and ability to get “hands-on” as a key member of the operating team.
IT PROBABLY WON’T WORK OUT IF:
- You are accustomed to managing a large or multilayer staff, and delegating hands-on work. This position will mix high-level, strategic thought leadership with times when you just have to do the work yourself, on tight deadlines with no supervision.
- You have no interest in or passion for the mission of local journalism, the sustainability of the media organizations that provide it, or the elevation of voices from and about underserved and underrepresented communities.
To apply, email your bio, resume and three writing samples to dlewis@realtimesmedia.com