Editor

Company Overview The Mountain Messenger has served as the weekly community newspaper for the Greenbrier County since 1983. It is part of Mountain Media, LLC which owns and operates over 20 community newspapers and associated publications throughout West Virginia and southern Virginia. The Mountain Messenger is seeking a community-minded editor to help lead the editorial operations of two weekly newspapers and one regional magazine serving Greenbrier County and the surrounding region. 1. This position is for for someone who lives in Greenbrier County, West Virginia , understands local people and places, and wants meaningful work that keeps them connected to the community. Prior newsroom experience is helpful. We are looking for someone with strong writing ability, good judgment, curiosity, dependability, and the desire to learn the craft of community journalism. About the Role Local newspapers play an important role in small towns and rural communities. They help residents know what is happening in local government, schools, businesses, civic groups, churches, nonprofits, and neighborhoods. The right person for this role is curious, organized, outgoing, and comfortable talking with people from all walks of life. They enjoy asking questions, paying attention to details, and helping tell the stories that matter locally. This is a hands-on position. The editor will help plan, write, edit, and prepare content for two weekly newspaper publications and one monthly regional magazine. The work includes covering meetings and events, editing submissions, preparing community announcements, working with freelancers and contributors, and helping make sure each publication is accurate, useful, and engaging. Key Responsibilities Plan and organize editorial content for two weekly newspapers and one monthly magazine. Write local news stories, community features, event coverage, profiles, and special section content. Cover local government meetings, school events, community activities, business news, festivals, and other newsworthy happenings. Review, edit, fact-check, and prepare press releases, announcements, public notices, reader submissions, and contributor articles for print and digital publication. Edit stories for clarity, accuracy, grammar, style, fairness, and readability. Work with freelance writers, stringers, photographers, and community contributors. Help maintain publication schedules and meet firm weekly and monthly deadlines. Communicate professionally with readers, public officials, advertisers, contributors, and community members. Attend evening meetings and occasional weekend or holiday events as needed. What We're Looking For We are open to applicants from a variety of backgrounds. A strong candidate may have experience in writing, teaching, communications, office administration, public service, nonprofit work, local government, marketing, publishing, business, or simply demonstrated ability to write well and stay organized.

The ideal candidate will have:

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading ability. Curiosity about local people, places, issues, and events. Good judgment, fairness, and attention to accuracy. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage deadlines. Comfort speaking with people, asking questions, and gathering information. Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and email. Willingness to learn AP style, journalism ethics, and newspaper production workflows. Dependability and the ability to work independently. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation for covering assignments throughout the region.

Pay:

From $35,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person