Managing Editor-FAITH Grand Rapids Magazine,Diocesan Website

Job Description

Managing Editor - FAITH Grand Rapids magazine and diocesan website
Supervises: Indirect supervision of freelance writers and photographers for Faith Grand Rapids magazine
Exempt - Full Time

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Through your work as managing editor of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine and web editor for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, you will help spread the good news through traditional and modern channels. Your time will be split approximately 80-20 between running the official diocesan magazine's day-to-day operations, including generating story ideas, assigning writers and photographers to stories, content development, editing, and proofreading, along with writing and publishing timely and accurate copy to the Diocese of Grand Rapids' website. This position operates under tight deadlines with 10 issues of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine published each year.

SPECIFIC DUTIES other duties may be assigned:
Managing editor, FAITH Grand Rapids:
• Work collaboratively with the editor-in-chief (director of communications) to define editorial direction, voice, and content of the diocesan magazine to be consistent with generally accepted editorial standards (AP style and CNS style) and the episcopal and pastoral goals of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
• Coordinate and direct editorial activities, including the editorial budget for each issue, the assignment of stories and photography to freelancers, and other special projects, including the diocesan annual report.
• Vet subjects to ensure good standing in the Catholic Church, provide notes and assign stories to freelance writers, edit stories, and assist with the subject review process.
• Plan and assign photos to freelance photographers; select photos and write captions.
• Responsible for the recruitment and oversight of freelance writers and photographers, including their payment.
• Edit stories written by syndicated columnists and freelancers.
• Work with the Office of Hispanic Ministry to produce a quarterly Spanish-language issue.
• Facilitate the print process for each of the 10 issues. This includes editing, organizing a proofreading schedule, and final review of each publication to ensure the highest-quality publication is sent to print by the deadline each time.
• Write additional stories as assigned.
• Request and deposit check to the U.S. Postal Service for postage costs. Responsible for the accurate publication of the annual USPS Postage report.
• Track editorial deliverables and ensure assigned deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with the Office of Information Technology and the Office of Finance to ensure that the parishioner database is accurate and mailing lists are delivered to the printer in advance of the print date.
• Manage paid and complimentary subscription database and assist with mailing comp issues each month.
• Liaison to FAITH Catholic and its staff.

Both roles:
• Collaborate with the communications director and staff of other departments to generate ideas, assemble and publish content related to diocesan-wide initiatives, campaigns, events to the diocesan website and in the magazine.
• Ensure proper catechetical consistency of news and other content.
• Maintain knowledge of and awareness of issues of importance in the Catholic Church.
• Position requires adherence to diocesan policies and procedures, as well as exceptional collegiality and ability to work in a team environment.

Website content creation:
• Manage the diocesan website, including content creation and review, independently draft copy and select photos for publication.
• Limited graphic design work and photo editing to visually enhance the website.
• Monitor and analyze website analytics.
• Help enforce diocesan and website style standards, and branding among departments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing, possessing a thorough knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church with the ability to apply that knowledge to the magazine.
• Requires a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or another related field or related combination of experience and education.
• Five or more years of related experience required
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Must be knowledgeable about AP and Catholic News Service (now OSV) style.
• Familiarity with popular content management systems; Basic understanding of SEO best practices
• Self-starter who can work independently.
• Detail-oriented.
• Comfortable with a variety of software technologies including the Microsoft and Google Suites.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Excellent ability to write articles, edit them and proofread.
• Ability to effectively present information, verbally and in writing, in a variety of situations with a diverse group of constituents including clergy and laity.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid Michigan driver's license.
• Ability to obtain VIRTUS certification and additional requirements as outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

Working Conditions:
• Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Some evening and weekend work may be required of the position to maintain the website. Regular computer work - both at the office and remotely - is required.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids offer competitive benefits including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to doghr@grdiocese.org

About the Employer

The Diocese of Grand Rapids was established May 19, 1882 and originally consisted of much of the northern and western parts of the Lower Peninsula. Since 1971 the diocese comprises 11 counties of Western Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids currently serves over 191,000 Catholics, 81 parishes, and 30 schools (including four high schools, one private high school, 25 elementary schools and one Catholic college) located within its 11-counties. Connect with the diocese on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.