Assistant Editor - Catholic Newspapers

Job Description

The Florida Catholic and La Voz Catolica have an opening to hire an Assistant Editor. This candidate works under the direction of the Editor in "getting the story out" : Communicating, in excellent English and Spanish languages, through all archdiocesan modalities, updated news and information on the Catholic faith, archdiocesan entities, the Catholic Church in general, and the Archbishop of Miami.

The Assistant Editor is skilled in all areas of media, understanding the differences and tailoring the message to print, digital, podcasts and audio, and social media.

The Assistant Editor understands and applies journalism ethics in communicating content, with the aim and purpose ultimately of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the activities of Catholic persons and entities.

The candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions include :

Newspapers

Personally covers news events, writes stories, takes pictures for newspapers and translates stories from Spanish to English as necessary.

Edits / posts English daily news updates on the website and helps editor plan monthly print publication.

Edits / posts article and photo submissions from schools, parishes and agencies of the archdiocese as well as Archbishop Wenski's homilies.

In consultation with the editor, assigns freelancers to cover stories; edits and posts their submissions.

Blogs

Selects or solicits submissions for weekly "Let's Talk" blog; edits and posts the blogs in both English and Spanish after sending them for translation.

Coordinates publication of "Through the Catholic Lens" blog, which appears monthly.

Does a final edit of all "Through the Catholic Lens" blogs and posts them.

Keeps a spreadsheet of dates, authors, and topics of upcoming blogs.

Website

Co-manages the website, fixing bugs, out-of-date information, or other issues, by working closely with webmaster, his team, Communications director, and digital media coordinator.

Updates the clergy listing with announcements for official appointments, retirements, and deaths.

Approves comments to website stories and blogs, ensuring they conform to standards of relevance, propriety and Christian charity.

Approves event submissions for the website events calendar, editing for style and accuracy.

Oversees and approves or works with petitioners to fulfill requests to webmaster for changes in the Offices and Ministries, home page, and individual office or agency pages listed on the website.

Becomes familiar with webmaster's system to help with fixes and changes if / as necessary.

Homepage

Selects and breaks up into "chunks" papal encyclicals or other documents for posting each Thursday under the "Catechesis" tab. Sends for posting monthly.

On a monthly basis, selects a pastor who writes weekly bulletin messages to his parishioners and ensures they are posted by webmaster each Thursday under the "From our pastors" tab.

Archives

Maintains and safeguards permanent files of newspaper print editions.

Marks up the newspapers for filing each month and files them in the physical clip files.

Maintains and backs up digital files of all pictures taken and used in print and on web.

Responds to public and internal requests for file photos, clippings, and research into archdiocesan history.

Podcasts

Writes English-language scripts, invites guests and serves as on-air host of "What the Faith, Miami?" and "Cuentame Catolico."

Oversees the final editing of the podcasts.

Uploads the podcasts to SoundCloud, Spotify and the web.

General

Speaks with freelancers about their work; encourages and mentors them.

Keeps track of Google statistics for stories, podcasts, blogs and weekly news blast.

Assists editor with special projects.

Builds and maintains relationships with Pastoral Center offices; archdiocesan entities; news media outlets.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications :

Minimum : Bachelor degree and experience in reporting, writing, or copyediting for print media. Experience with photography or basic knowledge of photographic principles, with the desire to learn more and continually improve.

Preferred : Bachelor degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Spanish or Public Relations; five years' experience in print communications and digital media.

Experience in a Roman Catholic environment preferred.

Valid FL driver license and automobile insurance; dependable insured vehicle

Mastery of written English-language and oral communication skills, including clear speaking voice.

Mastery of written Spanish-language and oral communication skills required, including clear speaking voices.

Equal fluency in both languages.

Knowledge of journalism ethics.

Skilled in active listening, social perceptiveness, and coordinating actions as needed in situations.

Excellent critical thinking, judgment and decision-making skills.

Ability to produce human interest features, deadline news reports, catchy headlines and informative captions.

Understanding of multi-media and alternate story formats and how to tailor the message to different mediums and audiences.

Excellent grammar and spelling combined with knowledge of AP style.

Knowledge of social media applications and platforms; mobile services experience preferred.

Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.

Basic HTML, Photoshop, and other Web production skills; Content Management System software a plus.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and OneDrive; Google Drive, Docs and Sheets; Dropbox; Photoshop, Lightroom and Photo Mechanic.

Good computer literacy, including ability to navigate online applications and search engines effectively.

Knowledge of principles of newspaper layout.

Excellent customer service skills, including ability to maintain focus on and professionalism with people in challenging situations, both in person and by phone.

Good time management, including ability to manage several projects at the same time.

In-depth knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church, supportive and respectful of its mission and tenets.

Attentive to detail, with initiative and good follow-through.

Must be able to multi-task and retain accuracy in an environment of competing deadlines.

Requires the ability to move from one area to another, interacting with many people; as well as sitting, standing, bending, typing, talking, hearing and use of near and far vision.

Travel might be required.

The work schedule must be flexible regarding workdays and hours, including weekends and holidays. Schedule might change on very short notice.