Summerville Editor

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Develop and maintain a forward calendar of local news, government, education, business, sports, and community events for both newspapers and special sections.
• Generate and evaluate story ideas that reflect the interests and needs of readers in Summerville, Berkeley County, and surrounding areas.
• Assign stories, photos, and multimedia to staff reporters, photographers, and freelancers, providing clear expectations and deadlines.
• Edit news, features, and opinion pieces for accuracy, clarity, structure, AP style, and legal/ethical standards.
• Write headlines, decks, photo captions, and callouts that are accurate, engaging, and optimized for both print and digital platforms.
• Ensure all content is fair, balanced, and rooted in strong local sourcing, with particular attention to sensitive or controversial topics.

Digital and social media

• Publish and update stories on the newspapers websites, including selecting images, tags, and related content links.
• Manage day‑to‑day posting on social media channels (such as Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and others), tailoring tone and format to each platform.
• Monitor analytics and audience engagement to inform coverage decisions, headlines, posting times, and follow‑up stories.
• Coordinate breaking news coverage online and on social media, including live updates during major events.

Collaboration and leadership

• Lead regular news meetings to review ongoing stories, upcoming events, and digital performance.
• Coach reporters and freelancers on story development, sourcing, and writing, providing clear, constructive feedback.
• Coordinate with photography, design, and production staff to ensure smooth layout and on‑time production for print editions.
• Work closely with management and advertising staff to balance editorial independence with the newspapers business needs, including special sections and sponsored content (while clearly labeling such material).

Community engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with community leaders, schools, law enforcement, and civic organizations to stay informed about local issues.
• Represent the newspapers at community events, public meetings, and forums as needed.
• Respond professionally to reader questions, tips, and complaints, helping build trust and loyalty.

Qualifications

Requirements, minimum education level, and experience:

• Bachelors degree in journalism, communications, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated reporting and editing experience, preferably at a community or local newspaper.
• Strong news judgment and understanding of local government, education, and community issues.
• Excellent editing, headline writing, and AP style skills.
• Proficiency with content management systems, basic photo editing, and social media platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, work evenings or weekends as news demands, and make quick decisions under pressure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Detail‑oriented, accurate, and committed to ethical local journalism.
• Comfortable switching between print planning and real‑time digital publishing.
• Strong communicator and team leader who can both direct and support a small staff.
• Curious, community‑minded, and eager to uncover and explain stories that matter to local readers.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment and Travel:

• Close eye work, continuous sitting, regular walking and standing, light to moderate lifting 15-30 pounds
• This worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. This worker will be out of the office on assignment daily so exposure to extreme weather elements is possible.
• Evening and weekend work may be required by the news cycle.
• Daily local travel is required. Additional travel is possible.

Evening Post Publishing is an equal opportunity, drug-free workplace.