Senior Editor

Job Summary

The Sr. Editor will be responsible for the quality of the final product of local news content in Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition and online with an emphasis on daily news. The editor works closely with the News and Public Affairs Director, and Illinois Public Media's hosts and reporters. The editor will also manage shared content from partners such as other Illinois Public Radio stations and Harvest Public Media. The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller and audio and digital editor with strong attention to detail. This position requires solid project management skills with the ability to lead and build consensus in a fast-paced environment. The news editor should be a collaborative and capable leader who can work with people across the newsroom in both audio and digital formats, and across multiple departments.

Duties & Responsibilities -

• Assign, budget and edit digital and audio stories.
• Coach reporters and hosts on story pitches and development.
• Provide editing support in breaking news coverage. Ensure that all content complies with editorial standards of IPM and NPR.
• Fill in for IPM News Director as needed and assume supervisory responsibilities as assigned.
• Assist with evaluating reporters during the annual review process.
• Coordinate coverage with editor of Illinois Student Newsroom editor.
• Occasionally back-fill news hosts during vacations or other vacancies in the schedule.
• Participate in pledge drive trainings and as pledge talent during fund drives.
• Participate in marketing activities, community engagement projects and other audience interactions as assigned on behalf of Illinois Public Media, including interacting with audiences on our social media platforms.
• Mentor news interns and student journalists.
• This position regularly requires use of a computer for extended periods of time. The ability to communicate using a computer, phone, and other smart devices is crucial.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of items up to 10 pounds is required.
• Travel in the Illinois Public Media viewing area is required.

Required Qualifications -

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• One year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.

(NOTE: Master's degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one year (12 months) of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications -

• Experience in an editorial capacity in a media organization.
• Management experience in a public media or news organization.
• Experience in successfully managing content collaborations or working collaboratively within an organization.
• Experience in operating a variety of broadcast equipment including digital editing systems (e.g. Adobe Audition), field recording units and other production equipment.
• Leadership and team management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -

• Strong editing and writing skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced news environment with tight deadlines.
• Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in journalism
• Strong knowledge of backend CMS systems, including drafting, editing, formatting, publishing, and distributing of news content.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5006 - Public Information Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Minimum salary for this position is $55k. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined after a thorough assessment of these elements.

Employees hired into this position will be expected to work on-site and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 30, 2024. Upload a cover letter, resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s).

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.