NOW HIRING – Managing Editor
The Big Bend Sentinel and Presidio International are seeking a Managing Editor with sharp news judgment and editorial chops to lead its small but tenacious newsroom in Marfa, Texas. The role oversees the day to day operations of two weekly newspapers that serve the residents of Marfa, Presidio and the broader tri-county area.
The managing editor runs the weekly news budget, guiding the daily editorial decisions and making sure reporters are covering important news, community happenings and human interest stories, while also helping identify longer-term investigative stories in the Big Bend region.
They support staff in their researching, reporting and writing of newsworthy stories. They are responsible for editing reporters’ articles for content and clarity and assuring the story is thoroughly fact-checked.
Along with working closely with staff reporters, the managing editor works with photographers, freelancers, columnists, cartoonists, layout designers, the printing press and the distribution team to ensure weekly production of the newspapers runs smoothly.
The managing editor will regularly liaise with the editor-in-chief about the editorial direction of the paper.
The right candidate:
- is a great leader and communicator, ready to direct an editorial staff
- is detail oriented in order to ensure an accurate, refined and tidy final product
- is able to see the broader trends of news in the area and suss out timely, meaningful stories
- is curious and self-motivated to find stories and delegate them
- is able to work well in a collaborative newsroom
- is always ready to chase a story, develop sources and write stories ranging from hard news to feature stories
- is deadline oriented
- is enthusiastic about small town living and all of its charms
- is familiar with AP Style
Qualities that are a plus include:
- knowledge of the region
- experience in local journalism
- Spanish language skills
This job is based in Marfa and applicants must reside in the area or be willing to relocate.
Marfa is a town of almost 2,000 residents in far west Texas, known for its art, ranching and burgeoning tourist economy. Presidio is a border community of nearly 6,000 on the Rio Grande river, boasting a growing port of entry, and close proximity to a state and National Park.
The Big Bend Sentinel is an award winning Marfa-based newspaper founded in 1926 and dedicated to providing weekly news in print and online to readers in Marfa, Presidio, the Big Bend and beyond. Articles in our coverage area are not only pertinent to our local readers but also touch on topics that are often being discussed in the national landscape.
This job offers competitive salary and health insurance.
To ask questions or apply, email [email protected]. Application emails should include a cover letter detailing why this job interests you, a resume, two references and three links to your published articles and/or stories you have edited. Please include “Managing editor application” in the subject line.
