Free Times Editor

In this role, you will be in charge of Free Times, a weekly print magazine and daily news website covering the culture of Columbia — including arts, music, food and various odd points around and in between. The role also serves as deputy editor for Post and Courier Columbia, a satellite publication of The Post and Courier newspaper in Charleston, which offers in-depth news coverage of the Midlands area of South Carolina. You will directly oversee one Free Times staff writer and assist the Columbia editor to oversee the four other news reporters dedicated to Columbia.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deep understanding of digital and print media, including but not limited to social media, data gathering, and visualization.
• Directly oversees Free Times in print and online and assists the Columbia editor as needed in the management of print and digital content – budgeting, editing, assigning.
• Must demonstrate an ability to function in a stressful, fast-moving and ever-changing environment. 
• Must be proficient with grammar, AP style and libel law. 
• Must be able to manage daily and Sunday workflow and lead others to meet strict deadlines.
• Must be able to adapt to the varying needs of print products, news websites, and social media

Requirements, minimum education level, and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or related field
• 2 or more years of demonstrated journalism experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills associated with developing trusting relationships and maintaining a high level of confidentiality
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with excellent follow through

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to manage reporters, keeping them on task and line-editing their copy. Many young reporters make their way through our newsroom, so the ability to coach baseline practices and skills is a must.
• Must understand how arts, music and food communities function and get to know those communities in Columbia intimately. If learning about these areas of expertise on the job, must be able to learn quickly.
• Must prioritize delivery of relevant news content for immediate dissemination on our digital platforms, when appropriate and under the guidance of supervisors.
• Must produce work that is accurate in fact, tone and implication. Understands and follows libel law and the rules governing plagiarism.
• Must work well with editors and reporters across disciplines. Discusses original and assigned story ideas. Participates in brainstorming sessions to develop detailed and realistic story ideas.
• Must develop a systematic approach to managing Free Times. Works with other editors to meet company goals.
• Must seek out and participate in training opportunities to improve skills.
• Must react to change productively and handle other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirement: Close eye work, continuous sitting, constant walking, standing, light to moderate lifting 15-30 pounds (per safety policy).

The Post and Courier is an equal opportunity employer.