position descriptions

Position Descriptions

• Editor-in-Chief: Individuals are responsible for managing all elements of the high school newspaper. Drafting layouts
and planning ahead for the entire academic year, as well as constructing the ad pages. He/she should feel comfortable
using the appropriate technology and training other staff members to use the required technology. Journalistic style
should be “second nature.” Strong leadership skills are a must, not to mention a positive outlook and motivating
attitude.

• Associate Editor: In addition to designing a section of the newspaper, he/she works with other associate editors and
provides support for the editor-in-chief. They follow-up with reporters to see that interviews are being conducted and
stories written. Associate editors are responsible for the timely production of the newspaper. The board may contribute
to the editorial section. They should be skillful managers, editors, and leaders.

• Page editors:Individuals are responsible for brainstorming, story assignments, editing, headline and cutline writing, as
well as proofreading and contributing stories for each issue. Page editors should know the basics of newspaper design
and how to use Indesign and Photoshop on Apple computers. They must also know how to scan and download
pictures.

• Staff Writer/Reporter: Individuals are responsible for brainstorming and writing assigned stories. He/she must be able
to write for a variety of sections. In addition, staff writers should be motivated to learn other aspects of newspaper
production.

• Photographer: Individuals are responsible for shooting requested photographs for each issue. He/she must be able to
manage a system for photo requests. In addition, he/she should have a positive and flexible attitude. Must know how
to download photographs and save on the shared network. Should be able to write copy for the newspaper if needed.

• Art Editors: Individuals are responsible for creating requested art for each issue. He/she must be able to manage a
system for requesting art. In addition, he/she should have a positive and flexible attitude. Must know how to scan
images and save on the shared network. Should be able to write copy for the newspaper if needed.

• Technical Editor: Individuals are responsible for the operation of the computer lab. He/she must be able to multi-task
and address issues concerning all aspects of the operating systems, external devices, and applications. Specifically,
he/she must be fluent in Indesign and Photoshop, MAC OS X, and file sharing. Should be able to write copy for the newspaper if needed.

Newspaper Positions
If you are interested in an associate editor’s position, you must also choose a page-editing position.
First Choice Second Choice
Editor-in-Chief ____________ ____________
Associate Editor ____________ ____________
Around Town Editor ____________ ____________
Entertainment Editor ____________ ____________
Features Editor ____________ ____________
In-depth Editor ____________ ____________
News Editor ____________ ____________
Sports Editor ____________ ____________
Staff Writer/Reporter ____________ ____________
Photographer ____________ ____________
Artist/Illustrator ____________ ____________
Technical Editor ____________ ____________
Short Answers

Please answer each item in 200 to 300 words. Provide responses on a separate sheet of paper, and label each response with the letter of the question it answers.

A. Why have you chosen to seek a position on the paper? What has attracted you to the field of
journalism?

B. What do you feel that you will bring to The paper next year if selected? Why have you
chosen the staffing position(s) that you have indicated above? What unique talents, abilities,
passions or perspectives will you bring to those positions in particular?