Springfield Business Journal is a monthly business-to-business publication serving the Central Illinois area for more than 20 years.
As a locally owned publication, we pride ourselves on our local business reporting and sponsorship of community events. We are seeking an associate editor to be a key part of our small but dedicated team, someone who will become engaged in the community and develop contacts with a wide variety of area businesses.
Springfield is the state capital, but essentially a big small town, so relationships matter and networking will be crucial to building both a pool of sources and growing our audience.
The associate editor will work closely with the publisher to set the editorial direction for the publication and plan special events and awards programs. The associate editor will be expected to contribute both short-form (weekly newsletter articles and website updates) and long-form (monthly print) stories.
This is the only salaried editorial position, so this individual will also be responsible for overseeing a pool of freelance writers and photographers. We are seeking someone with the ability to break news and identify newsworthy events and sources in a B2B platform. The ideal candidate will be able to relate to a wide range of people and will be motivated to seek out diverse sources for content unique to this market.
While already well-established in this market, the Business Journal is poised for growth with a recent change in ownership and a move to a new location. The associate editor will play a critical role in guiding the long-term strategy and overseeing a redesign of the publication as well as introducing digital products. We are seeking new and creative ways to engage our core audience, both in print and online.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develops and oversees editorial and production processes to ensure smooth operation flow, sets and monitors deadlines at all stages of production.
• Plans annual editorial calendar, including ideas for special sections and lists. Generates story leads and candidates for profiles.
• Writes and edits articles for both the print publication and digital content. Writes or solicits monthly editorial.
• Develops and oversees a strong pool of freelance writers and photographers. Supervises graphic design staff and makes decisions on photos and other visual elements.
• Serves as primary copy editor, makes decisions on usage and style. Conducts fact-checking as part of the copy review process.
• Serves as the public face of the SBJ – radio interviews, speaking to local groups, etc. Promotes SBJ via social media and website.
• Attends and helps promote attendance at special events.
To apply, send clips, resume, a cover letter and salary consideration to editor and publisher Fletcher Farrar at fletcher@springfieldbusinessjournal.com.
