The Florida Catholic and La Voz Católica have an opening to hire an Assistant Editor. This candidate works under the direction of the Editor in “getting the story out”: Communicating, in excellent English and Spanish languages, through all archdiocesan modalities, updated news and information on the Catholic faith, archdiocesan entities, the Catholic Church in general, and the Archbishop of Miami. The Assistant Editor is skilled in all areas of media, understanding the differences and tailoring the message to print, digital, podcasts and audio, and social media. The Assistant Editor understands and applies journalism ethics in communicating content, with the aim and purpose ultimately of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the activities of Catholic persons and entities. The candidate performs all duties and responsibilities in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami.
Essential Responsibilities and Functions include:
Newspapers
• Covers news events, writes stories, takes photos, and translates stories as necessary.
• Edits/posts English daily news updates and helps editor plan monthly print publication.
• Edits/posts article and photo submissions from schools, parishes, and agencies of the archdiocese as well as Archbishop Wenski’s homilies.
Blogs
• Selects or solicits submissions for weekly “Let’s Talk” blog; edits and posts the blogs in both English and Spanish after sending them for translation.
• Coordinates publication of “Through the Catholic Lens” blog, which appears monthly.
• Does a final edit of all “Through the Catholic Lens” blogs and posts them.
• Keeps a spreadsheet of dates, authors, and topics of upcoming blogs.
Website
• Co-manages the website, fixing bugs, out-of-date information, or other issues, by working closely with webmaster, his team, Communications director, and digital media coordinator.
• Updates announcements for official appointments, retirements, and deaths in clergy listing.
• Approves event submissions for the website events calendar, editing for style and accuracy.
• Oversees and approves /works with petitioners to fulfill requests for changes in the Offices and Ministries, home page, and individual office or agency pages listed on the website.
Homepage
• Selects and breaks up into “chunks” papal encyclicals or other documents for posting each Thursday under the “Catechesis” tab. Sends for posting monthly.
• On a monthly basis, selects a pastor who writes weekly bulletin messages to his parishioners and ensures they are posted by webmaster each Thursday under the “From our pastors” tab.
Archives
• Safeguards permanent files of print editions, marking up for filing in physical files.
• Maintains and backs up digital files of all pictures taken and used in print and on web.
• Responds to public and internal requests for file photos, clippings, and research into archdiocesan history.
Podcasts
• Writes English-language scripts, invites guests and serves as on-air host of “What the Faith, Miami?” and “Cuéntame Católico.”
• Oversees the final editing of the podcasts.
• Uploads the podcasts to SoundCloud, Spotify and the web.
General
• Speaks with freelancers about their work; encourages and mentors them.
• Builds and maintains relationships with Pastoral Center offices; archdiocesan entities; news media outlets.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree and experience in reporting, writing, or copyediting for print media. Experience in or basic knowledge of photography, with desire to learn and improve.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, Spanish or public relations; five years’ experience in print communications and digital media.
• Mastered English written and oral communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
• Mastered Spanish written and oral communication skills, including clear speaking voice.
• Knowledge of journalism ethics.
• Skilled in active listening, social perceptiveness, judgement, and decision-making.
• Ability to produce human interest features, deadline news reports, catchy headlines, and informative captions.
• Understanding of multi-media and alternate story formats and how to tailor the message to different mediums and audiences.
• Excellent grammar and spelling combined with knowledge of AP style.
• Knowledge of social media applications and platforms; mobile services experience preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel; PowerPoint a plus.
• Basic HTML, Photoshop, and other Web production skills; Content Management System software a plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and OneDrive; Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets; Dropbox; Photoshop, Lightroom and Photo Mechanic.
• Knowledge of principles of newspaper layout.
• Excellent customer service skills both in person and by phone.
• In-depth knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church, supportive and respectful of its mission and tenets.
• Attentive to detail, with initiative and good follow-through.
• Valid FL driver license and automobile insurance; dependable insured vehicle.
• Ability to interact with many people, as well as mobility and use of near and far vision.
• Readiness for schedule that is flexible, including weekends and holidays.
To apply: send resume with cover letter to careers@theadom.org.
Subject line should read Assistant Editor.
