Assistant entertainment editor

Job Description

About Us:

GCM is an award-winning nonprofit news organization and a recognized leader in local news. We are committed to news that matters most with our readers. We’re the parent compact of Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside Brookfield Landmark. Our work appears online daily and weekly in print.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic, part-time, assistant entertainment editor to oversee our new, expanded and redesigned entertainment section that tells our audience where to go when they want to play. This role involves assigning and editing freelance content’ writing; reporting; closely collaborating with designers; and managing a robust editorial calendar that covers restaurants, music, arts, culture, concerts, talks, festivals and other local events. We’re looking for someone who is excited to create the premier suburban entertainment section.

The assistant editor will be responsible for planning pages for our weekly print edition, posting stories online, scheduling social media posts and producing our weekly online newsletter.

Because this section covers Chicago’s West Side and all of our suburban communities, the right candidate must have a fresh eye for what’s happening and their finger on the pulse of vibrant arts and culture scenes in our region. We’re looking for someone with a strong voice and clear vision for leading this exciting new section forward, someone who understands and responds to audience needs. The ideal candidate will be organized and detail- and deadline-oriented. 

You will report to the editor in chief.

Key Responsibilities:

• Write fun, accurate, compelling articles and reviews on local entertainment and cultural events.
• Assign and edit stories from freelance writers, ensuring high-quality content.
• Collaborate with designers to create visually appealing layouts for the entertainment section.
• Manage the events calendar and ensure comprehensive coverage of local events.
• Maintain the internal editorial calendar that will be planned months in advance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local venues, artists, and event organizers.
• Stay current on local and regional entertainment trends.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth integration of the entertainment section.
• Meet deadlines consistently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field.
• 1 to 3+ years of experience in journalism, preferably in entertainment writing or editing.
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in digital publishing tools and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Familiarity with the local entertainment scene is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events if needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with freelancers and community contacts.
• Ability to work with software and other tools critical to the job, including social media platforms, Google Analytics, MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and virtual conferencing tools, such as Teams and, Zoom.
• Participate in a collegial, collaborative newsroom culture and atmosphere

Hours and Compensation:

• Part-time position, up to 20 hours per week.
• ​Flexible, hybrid schedule. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Salary is $20,000.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, a letter explaining why you’re right for the job, and four writing samples that demonstrate your ability to cover aspects of local entertainment. Send this in an email to erika@growingcommunitymedia.org. Include any relevant experience managing freelance writers or working with designers. Deadline is Oct. 31.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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