Managing Editor, FAITH Grand Rapids magazine and diocesan website Job at Diocese

Managing Editor, FAITH Grand Rapids magazine and diocesan website

POSITION TITLE: Managing Editor – FAITH Grand Rapids magazine and diocesan website

REPORTS TO: Director of Communications

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Indirect supervision of freelance writers and photographers for FAITH Grand Rapids magazine

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

HOURS: Full time, in office five days a week

FAITH Grand Rapids This is a permanent position and does not qualify for freelance or contract work.

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 AP and CNS style and promote the episcopal and pastoral goals of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
• Coordinate and direct the editorial budget for each issue, the assignment of stories and photography to freelancers, and other special projects such as 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.
• Track editorial deliverables and ensure assigned deadlines are met.
• 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.
• Monitor and analyze website analytics.
• Help enforce diocesan and website style standards and branding among departments.

Qualifications:

• 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 and website.
• Requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or another related field or related combination of experience and education.
• Three 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 Microsoft and Google Suites.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Excellent ability to write articles, edit, 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 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.

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