MANAGING EDITOR

The Solomon Star is a recently launched Kimberley based community newspaper established to address an observed failure on the part of existing print media at local and regional level to give fair and equitable coverage of newsworthy stories that appeal to all sectors of our society. The publishers of the Solomon Star aim to counter this by providing a more interactive and immersive media experience through both the print edition of the newspaper and through its Facebook and Twitter pages.

The publisher is looking to secure the services of a Managing Editor who will be able to ensure that the Solomon Star provides news coverage and reporting that is not narrow, parochial and self-serving but is accessible, inclusive, and embraces all facets of news that will resonate with the entire population at large. In so doing the newspaper will meet its objective to provide empowering access to topical and up to date information on contemporary news items, especially to those that continue to live largely in an information vacuum because of the fact that they are economically disadvantaged.

The Managing Editor will be expected to embrace this vision for the Solomon Star and will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the newspaper, making sure that the production process runs smoothly, the publication is printed on time and distributed timeously to its readers.
Job Description
The Managing Editor’s primary responsibility is for the style and content of the publication, print and digital, and ensuring its consistency with the publication’s style and editorial policy. He she will also be responsible for:
• Developing content ideas and assigning stories to writers
• Reading content submissions, editing for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Rewriting copy to make it easier for readers to understand
• Verifying factual content using standard reference sources
• Evaluating submissions from writers to decide what to publish
• Finalising layout
• Reviewing and editing digital media content
• Growing the geographic footprint of the newspaper
• Managing staff responsible for content and style, sales and marketing, distribution and finance and administration

Qualifications
The successful applicant will ideally have a bachelor's degree in journalism, media or communications or in arts and humanities (in particular English) with 5 years or more work experience either in the print media or in a related occupation. Given that he/she will also be responsible for the online version of the newspaper and its social media feeds, a background in web content and technical knowledge will be beneficial.

Core Competencies
Candidates for this position must also be able to demonstrate:
• Creativity - in order to regularly generate interesting story lines and attention grabbing headlines;
• General knowledge - on a broad range of contemporary and newsworthy subjects
• Good judgment – so as to be able to decide if certain stories are ethical or if there is enough evidence to report them
• Language & Writing skills – so as to ensure that articles appearing in the publication are grammatically correct and that ideas are expressed clearly and logically.
• An Eye for Detail – to make sure that material is error-free and matches the style of the publication.
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills – so as to be able to effectively manage the editorial and production teams and guide and encourage them in their work.

This appointment is for an initial 12-month period and is subject to a 60-day probationary period. Remuneration is negotiable but will be commensurate with qualifications and experience