The lifestyle editor is a digital strategist and editorial leader with an enthusiasm for lively lifestyle coverage that serves local readers. The lifestyle desk of Embarcadero Media is staffed by four editors covering food; features and recreation; real estate, home and garden and neighborhoods; and arts and entertainment for the company’s Peninsula division.
The ideal lifestyle editor is experienced in growing audiences and knows how to use the tools of search, analytics, social media, newsletters, audience engagement and more to increase reader awareness of content and loyalty to the brand.
We’re looking for a savvy manager who can guide our talented lifestyle editors as they seek to stay abreast of what’s trending in our region; pursue stories that resonate with our readership; present news and information in fresh and accessible ways; engage with their audiences; and meet their digital goals each quarter, in support of Embarcadero’s membership revenue model. To see our content, go to TheSixFifty.com and PaloAltoOnline.com.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage the lifestyle desk for Embarcadero Media: Lead the lifestyle-verticals editors to produce on-trend regional coverage that resonates with our audience and meets the desk’s digital goals for growing the audience and increasing engagement and loyalty of readers each quarter.
- Work with lifestyle editors to produce a high volume of appealing articles each week that keep readers coming back for more. Help editors to develop the most compelling story ideas and angles. Ensure that all articles and other content meet editorial standards for news value, appeal, usefulness, ethics and tone. Review content continuously and provide feedback to editors when needed to ensure excellence in editing, judgment and copy editing.
- As a digital strategist, work with each vertical editor to tailor and execute a strategy for that vertical with the goal of increasing readership, engagement and loyalty. Track the performance of lifestyle content using analytics. Use search and social media to ensure that maximum numbers of readers can discover and access lifestyle stories. Foster greater audience interaction using a variety of approaches, including special events.
- As a manager, ensure that internal operational problems are solved quickly and collaboratively. Handle administrative tasks related to supervision, including monitoring of hours, approval of time off, approval of expenses, payment of freelancers, etc. Ensure coverage of lifestyle verticals when editors are absent. Manage the lifestyle desk’s budget and resources.
- Work with editors to ensure that interns, freelance writers and freelance visual journalists are well-managed and receiving clear direction and feedback.
- Ensure that any inquiries and comments from the public receive a response in a timely and respectful manner.
- Play a key role in the development and execution of new lifestyle newsletters under the direction of the editorial director.
- Serve as lead editor of several of the company’s print special publications. Collaborate on the development of digital versions of existing print special publications as directed by the editorial director.
- Monitor social media, Town Square and other online sources to stay up-to-date on lifestyle trending topics on the Peninsula and identify opportunities for unique, engaging coverage.
- Work collaboratively with other editorial staff — including the audience engagement desk and news desk — and Embarcadero departments to ensure that the lifestyle desk is contributing to the overall success of the department and company.
- Recruit freelance writers and freelance visual journalists with solid writing and reporting skills, plentiful story ideas, fresh approaches to presenting content, creativity and passion for lifestyle topics, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
- 4-6 years of experience in journalism, with a focus on lifestyle topics.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team of editors, writers and interns to achieve goals. Committed problem solver. Inclusive communicator.
- Skill in growing audiences and using the digital tools of search, analytics, social media, newsletters and audience engagement.
- Enthusiasm for and knowledge of lifestyle topics, including food; features and recreation; real estate, home and garden, neighborhoods; and arts and entertainment.
- Strong editing and writing skills, with a keen eye for detail and grammar.
- Creative digital producer who can think beyond the traditional article/photo presentation.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Salary: $30/hour.
To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing how your experience fits the needs of the position. Also attach your resume, links to one or more websites whose audiences you helped to increase, and two examples of work that shows your editing. Email the materials, with “Lifestyle Editor” in the subject line, to Editorial Director Jocelyn Dong at jdong(AT)paweekly.com. No phone calls, please.
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