At MercerMe, we are more than just a news outlet; we are a cornerstone of the Hopewell Valley community. Today, I’m pleased to announce an opportunity for a dynamic individual to join our team as a part-time editor. This role is crucial as we continue to expand our impact and strengthen community ties through quality journalism.
A Commitment to Community Journalism
As the founder of MercerMe, I’ve worn many hats—editor, publisher, and ad sales—to establish a platform that serves the Hopewell Valley community. MercerMe has become a vital resource. My vision is for MercerMe to directly serve the community by adding more stories about people and places and fostering a dialogue through increased feedback and interaction.
We are seeking a new editor who shares our commitment to journalistic integrity and is eager to engage with and grow our community connections. This role is pivotal in shaping the narrative that defines our community.
JOB LISTING: PART-TIME COMMUNITY NEWS EDITOR
About Us
MercerMe is a vital part of the Hopewell Valley community, delivering timely and insightful content that informs and empowers our readers. We are committed to accuracy, engagement, and timeliness in our news coverage to keep our community informed and connected.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic part-time editor to lead our editorial team (approx. 15 hours per week). The editor will play a pivotal role in shaping the content strategy and upholding MercerMe’s editorial standards. While compensation is modest, there is significant potential for growth. We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about community journalism, eager to learn and grow in the field, and committed to serving our community.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the editorial process, including news gathering, story assignments, and content strategy and production, to deliver impactful and relevant stories to readers.
- Collaborate closely with community reporters to generate compelling story ideas, assign articles, set deadlines, and provide guidance throughout the writing process.
- Review and edit articles with precision, ensuring clarity, accuracy, grammar, and style, while maintaining compliance with MercerMe’s editorial standards and guidelines.
- Stay abreast of current events, public meetings, and social media discussions to identify emerging stories and coverage opportunities.
- Actively engage with our community to understand their needs, concerns, and interests, and ensure that MercerMe serves as a valuable resource for readers.
- Collaborate closely with the publisher and the editorial team to develop and implement content strategy, ensuring that MercerMe’s coverage effectively serves and reflects the needs of the Hopewell Valley community.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Strong writing and communication skills, with a desire to develop and refine editorial abilities.
- A keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy and quality in journalism.
- Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing tools, or a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
- Basic understanding of SEO best practices or a willingness to learn about search engine optimization.
The ideal candidate will have
- Passion for news, storytelling, and staying informed about current events.
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn about the evolving dynamics of journalism and how that relates to connecting with the community.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines with a sense of humor.
- Roots in and a genuine love for Hopewell Valley.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the position to MercerMe’s founder and publisher, Mary Galioto, at [email protected]. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience.
