And the job listing Expires on September 6, 2025
Swampscott Tides, a newly-formed 501(c)(3) independent, local, online news source, seeks a dynamic, community-focused Managing Editor to lead a small editorial team. Reporting directly to the Board, the Managing Editor will manage content development, uphold journalistic integrity, and actively engage in reporting. This role requires editorial judgment, organizational skills, and a passion for community reporting and writing. Some nights and weekends may be required to cover specific meetings and events.
Responsibilities:
* Editorial Oversight and Staff Recruitment: Recruit, hire, supervise, and collaborate with a small team of staff reporters and freelance writers and photographers, and student journalists to deliver high-quality, engaging news coverage for Swampscott and surrounding areas. Manage relationships with local colleges providing interns, as applicable.
* Content Creation: Act as a leading journalist for Swampscott Tides on the website and newsletter, delivering impactful and relevant news coverage tailored to the Swampscott community. Responsibilities include reporting and writing on key areas such as town government, the local school system, and the people, places, and events that make Swampscott unique.
* Story Planning and Assignments: Schedule and assign stories based on editorial priorities and community needs. Review story ideas from the community and Editorial Committee, ensuring that coverage reflects diverse perspectives and local relevance.
* Editorial Judgment: Exhibit strong understanding of journalistic and legal standards. Work with our pro bono legal resources as needed to identify and mitigate potential legal hurdles.
* Editing and Quality Control: Edit and proofread all content for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to Swampscott Tides’ editorial standards.
* Editorial Committee Participation: Meet regularly with the Editorial Committee to review and evaluate story ideas, analyze content, and provide strategic input to guide the paper’s editorial voice and vision.
* Website Presentation: Collaborate closely with our web developer to ensure that Swampscott Tides’ digital content is current, accurate as well as visually appealing, accessible, and user-friendly. The Managing Editor will help to enhance user experience, highlighting key stories, incorporating multimedia elements where relevant, and maintaining a cohesive, inviting aesthetic that aligns with Swampscott Tides’ brand and values.
* Community Engagement: Act as a liaison with readers, addressing feedback as needed and fostering a strong connection between the newspaper and the community.
* Performance Review and Reporting: Provide updates to the Board on editorial performance, content analytics, and team contributions; perform annual performance evaluations of the staff; participate in annual performance evaluation of Managing Editor conducted by the Board.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in journalism, with previous editorial management preferred.
* Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity.
* Experience supervising and inspiring a small, diverse team of contributors and working collaboratively across committees.
* Highly organized, able to balance deadlines, and adaptive in a fast-paced, evolving media environment.
* Proficiency in leveraging social media for journalistic purposes preferred.
* WordPress experience, or ability to learn on the job.
* Passion for local news; connection with the Swampscott area is desirable.
Application:
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 4-6 writing samples that reflect your editorial range and interest in local journalism. Please address the following question as part of your cover letter: What does community journalism mean to you?
Applications should be sent to SwampscottTides@gmail.com
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