Managing Editor – Athen, Ohio
Location: Athens, Ohio
Reports to: Ohio Regional Editor
Position Overview
We're seeking a Managing Editor to lead our newsroom into the digital future while maintaining our commitment to exceptional community journalism. This role combines traditional editorial excellence with digital innovation, audience engagement, and multi-platform storytelling across our Athens,Waverly and Vinton Ohio, journalism sites.
The ideal candidate will have a balance of operational and strategic skills who understands both the fundamentals of quality journalism and the evolving digital landscape that connects news organizations with modern audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership & Content Strategy
· Edit and enhance stories, columns, and community content across all platforms with
focus on digital-first publishing
· Develop and implement content strategies that serve both print and digital audiences
· Oversee special section development and production, with opportunity for freelance
collaboration
· Ensure editorial standards and journalistic integrity across all publications and
platforms
Digital Innovation & Audience Development
· Lead digital content strategy including social media, newsletters, and website
optimization
· Develop audience engagement initiatives to grow readership and community
connection
· Implement SEO best practices and analytics-driven content decisions
· Explore emerging digital storytelling formats (video, podcasts, interactive content)
· Monitor audience metrics and adapt content strategy based on performance data
Team Leadership & Development
· Supervise and mentor editorial team of 4 staff members and a network of freelancers
in Athens, Waverly and Vinton.
· Foster collaborative newsroom culture that embraces innovation while respecting
community journalism values
Operations & Community Engagement
· Collaborate with pagination team on print layout while prioritizing digital content flow
· Manage day-to-day community communications across multiple channels
· Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, sources, and readers
· Coordinate coverage across six publications to maximize efficiency and impact
· Ensure timely, accurate reporting that serves local communities
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field
· Editorial experience with leadership responsibilities
· Strong editing skills with attention to detail and AP style proficiency
· Demonstrated experience with digital publishing platforms and content management
systems
· Understanding of social media strategy and audience engagement
· Knowledge of media law, ethics, and journalistic standards
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience with SEO, analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media insights)
· Video editing and multimedia storytelling capabilities
· Newsletter and email marketing experience
· Background in community journalism or regional publications
· Project management experience with special publications
· Familiarity with modern newsroom workflow tools
What We Offer
· Opportunity to shape the digital future of established community publications
· Leadership role with significant editorial autonomy
· Collaborative work environment with experienced team
· Chance to make meaningful impact in Southeast Ohio communities
Benefits
The fringe benefits include medical (split between employer and employee), dental and
vision options (employee paid). There are three company-sponsored benefits, including
short-term disability, long-term disability and a term life insurance policy. The company
pays for six major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day,
Independence Day and Labor Day), plus PTO, volunteer days and floating holidays.
The company will pay 35 cents to the mile for work-related driving.
Application Requirements
Please submit:
· Cover letter explaining your vision for community journalism in the digital age
· Resume highlighting relevant editorial and leadership experience
· Three professional references
· Portfolio of editing work and any digital initiatives you've led
We're looking for someone who shares our commitment to serving local communities while embracing the tools and strategies that will ensure our long-term success in the evolving media landscape.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
