Night and Weekend Editor

Gannett - Akron, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Akron, OH

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository are seeking a dedicated Night and Weekend Editor to join their regional leadership team. This role is crucial for keeping the community informed about breaking news and ensuring that the editorial team operates smoothly during evening and weekend shifts. The ideal candidate will be a player/coach, adept at directing reporters while also contributing to writing stories when necessary. This position requires a calm demeanor under pressure, strong editing skills, and the ability to write quickly and accurately. In this hybrid role based in Akron, Ohio, the Night and Weekend Editor will spend approximately 90% of their time focused on editing and coordinating coverage responsibilities. This includes supporting the editing team by providing second reads on key content, coordinating with content planners, and managing photo assignments and schedules. The editor will also be responsible for vetting and assigning story ideas, utilizing SEO, trends, metrics, and reader interest to guide their decisions. Creating a sense of urgency, especially in competitive situations, is essential, as is the ability to edit copy from the breaking news team and coach reporters to enhance their reporting and writing skills. The position also involves communication with producers regarding breaking news plans and covering significant breaking news that is important to key audiences. The editor will oversee coverage in smaller markets such as Kent, Massillon, and Alliance as needed. This role demands initiative, accuracy, and a strong sense of urgency, along with the ability to identify and highlight stories that reflect the community's diverse voices.

Responsibilities

• Direct reporters and write stories as needed to keep readers updated on breaking news.
• Edit and coordinate coverage responsibilities, dedicating about 90% of time to these tasks.
• Support the editing team by providing second reads on key content.
• Coordinate with content planners and manage photo assignments and schedules.
• Vet and assign story ideas using SEO, trends, metrics, and reader interest as guides.
• Create and instill a sense of urgency in competitive situations.
• Edit copy from the breaking news team and coach reporters to develop their skills.
• Communicate with producers about breaking news plans and cover major breaking news of importance to key audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three to five years of experience as a reporter or editor.
• Strong initiative, accuracy, and urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well with diverse personalities.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure.
• Experience in coaching and providing peer-to-peer feedback.
• Strong writing, spelling, grammar, and AP style skills.
• Organizational skills and the ability to engage with people from various backgrounds.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience using social media accounts to identify and advance stories.
• Familiarity with media law and principles of ethical conduct.