Managing Editor

Managing Editor Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the direction of The Daily Aztec’s Editor in Chief, the Managing Editor helps to oversee the editorial staff and make sure that quality content is being produced. The Managing Editor also acts as a liaison between the advertising department and the editorial staff. The Managing Editor receives information weekly from The Daily Aztec’s office assistant and updates the information to relay it to editorial staff through designated channels. The Managing Editor helps to mentor new staff and deals with personnel issues between editorial staff members as they arise. The Managing Editor’s primary purpose is to maintain quality control and edit all online and print stories for AP style. The Managing Editor also is in charge of coordinating page layouts with the advertising department and updating where editorial content will be placed in the weekly run sheet.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

  • Under the direction of The Daily Aztec’s Editor in Chief, coordinates the recruitment of paid part-time editorial staff and volunteer writers/photographers.
  • Edits weekly content for AP style and manages editorial staff.
  • Makes sure office environment is appropriate and office has everything it needs to run smoothly (i.e. enough paper and other materials, notifies General Manager if supplies are needed).
  • Maintains confidential employee personnel records.
  • Coordinates weekly run sheet for editorial content and maintains quality of the newspaper and online content.

Customer Service and Collaboration

  • Establishes and maintains working relationships with various A.S. and University departments.
  • Maintains good relationships with all staff members and handles any personnel issues as they may arise.

Safety

  • Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
  • Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
  • Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
  • Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the General Manager as soon as possible.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

  • Must be currently enrolled at San Diego State University, taking a minimum of 6 units.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA and have passed the GSP.
  • Must have taken JMS 310W and be officially in the journalism major, part of SDSU’s School of Journalism and Media Studies.

Experience:

  • At least one year as a section editor or assistant editor on The Daily Aztec’s staff.
  • Must know AP Style

Licenses & Certifications:

  • None.

Trainings:

  • Must complete Computer Security Awareness training within 30 days of hire

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Must be able to work with confidential items and understand the importance of confidentiality in project work
  • Must be capable of maintaining positive working relationships with staff and customers
  • Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment
  • Must have experience with AP style
  • Strong organizational skills required. Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guests
  • Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
  • Ability to operate a computer, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn and utilize new software programs

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time (20 hours per week), position with varying hours depending on deadlines and assignments.” This includes possible evenings and weekends; employee schedules vary according to Daily Aztec needs. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and walking around campus. The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.”

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the individual to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers. This person will also spend time filing, walking, and have to do some lifting of supplies and materials from time to time, including banker boxes and files.”

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

  • Reports to the Editor-in-Chief
  • Works closely and The Daily Aztec’s General Manager
  • Interacts with Editorial staff and volunteers
  • Interacts with A.S. Management and Hiring Supervisors

Outside the Organization:

  • Interacts with various vendors and University organizations
  • Athletic Department coaches and staff
  • Other interactions with SDSU staff