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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Reporter Editor

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

JournalismMediaEditingContent Creation

🎯 Role Definition

The Reporter Editor is a pivotal hybrid role within a modern media organization, blending the investigative and storytelling prowess of a journalist with the precision and quality assurance of an editor. This professional is responsible for the entire content lifecycle, from identifying and pitching compelling story ideas to researching, reporting, and writing original news articles, features, and analyses. Concurrently, they apply a meticulous editorial eye to their own work and that of others, ensuring every piece of content meets the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, style, and ethical integrity. The Reporter Editor is a guardian of the publication's voice and a key driver of audience engagement, adept at crafting narratives that inform, captivate, and resonate with readers across multiple platforms.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Staff Reporter / Journalist
  • Copy Editor
  • Content Writer

Advancement To:

  • Managing Editor
  • Senior Editor
  • News Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Communications Manager
  • Content Strategist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Research, report, and write compelling, accurate, and well-sourced news stories, features, and enterprise articles under tight, daily deadlines.
  • Pitch original, relevant, and data-informed story ideas that align with the publication's editorial strategy and demonstrate an understanding of audience interests.
  • Develop and actively maintain a robust network of sources within a designated beat or area of coverage to generate exclusive stories and deep, authoritative insights.
  • Conduct thorough, well-prepared interviews with sources from diverse backgrounds, exercising strong listening skills and the ability to ask probing, effective follow-up questions.
  • Fact-check all information meticulously using primary sources, public records, and verification techniques to ensure the highest level of accuracy and credibility.
  • Edit and revise copy for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and conciseness, adhering strictly to the AP Stylebook and internal style guidelines.
  • Craft compelling, SEO-friendly headlines, subheadings, and social media copy designed to maximize content visibility and drive audience engagement.
  • Publish and manage content using a Content Management System (CMS), ensuring proper formatting, tagging, and integration of multimedia elements.
  • Collaborate closely with photographers, videographers, and graphic designers to conceptualize and incorporate multimedia elements that enhance storytelling.
  • Analyze website and social media analytics to understand audience behavior, track content performance, and inform future editorial decisions and strategies.
  • Cover breaking news events with speed and accuracy, providing real-time updates for digital platforms and adapting to evolving situations.
  • Rewrite and update existing evergreen articles to maintain their relevance, accuracy, and search engine ranking over time.
  • Ensure all reporting and editorial practices uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics, fairness, objectivity, and transparency.
  • Juggle multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously, demonstrating exceptional time management and organizational skills in a fast-paced news environment.
  • Proofread final drafts and page layouts to catch any errors before publication, serving as a final gatekeeper for quality assurance.
  • Identify compelling narratives within data sets and translate complex information into accessible and engaging stories for a broad audience.
  • Cultivate an authoritative voice and presence on social media to promote stories, engage with readers, and monitor conversations within your beat.
  • Write clean, vibrant, and accurate copy on deadline, turning around stories quickly without sacrificing quality.
  • Travel as needed to cover stories, attend events, and conduct on-the-ground reporting.
  • Generate a consistent volume of high-quality content, meeting daily or weekly quotas for articles and posts.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor junior reporters and interns, providing constructive feedback on their writing, reporting techniques, and professional development.
  • Contribute to daily and long-term editorial planning meetings, helping to shape the publication's content calendar and strategic direction.
  • Represent the publication at community events, industry conferences, and on panels to build brand presence and network with key contacts.
  • Manage relationships with and edit copy from freelance contributors, ensuring their work meets organizational standards for quality and style.
  • Assist in the development and execution of special editorial projects, such as in-depth investigative series or themed content packages.
  • Participate in the evolution of the organization's editorial voice and style guide, suggesting updates and improvements based on industry best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Mastery of AP Style and a deep understanding of grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
  • Proficiency with Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Arc XP, or similar platforms.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of SEO best practices for journalists, including keyword research and on-page optimization.
  • Experience using digital analytics tools like Google Analytics or Chartbeat to interpret content performance data.
  • Advanced research and fact-checking skills using public records, databases, and digital verification tools.
  • Competence in shooting photos and/or video with a DSLR or smartphone for multimedia storytelling.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and their use in news gathering and distribution.
  • Basic photo and video editing skills using software like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro is a strong plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional news judgment and a keen sense of what makes a story compelling and important to the audience.
  • Unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics, integrity, and accuracy.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex topics clearly and concisely.
  • A high degree of curiosity, persistence, and a healthy skepticism.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for building rapport with sources, colleagues, and the community.
  • Excellent time management and organizational abilities to thrive in a deadline-driven newsroom environment.
  • Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to pivot quickly to cover breaking news and handle high-pressure situations.
  • A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively within a team, giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • English
  • Political Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of professional experience in a daily newsroom, digital media outlet, or similar journalistic environment.

Preferred: A proven track record that includes both original reporting and substantive editing responsibilities, showcasing a holistic understanding of the content creation and quality control process.

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