Media is seeking an Associate Editor & Reporter to play a key role in producing, organizing and growing our local editorial coverage across print and digital platforms. This is a hands-on journalism position designed for someone ready to take the next step from reporter into editorial leadership. The role will initially focus heavily on reporting, writing, source development and community coverage, while also taking increasing responsibility for editing, content planning, publication workflow and coordination of freelance contributors. The Associate Editor & Reporter will play an important role in the continued development of Border Press, helping strengthen its local coverage, establish consistent editorial processes and build the content and contributor network necessary for future growth. As NYVT Media's editorial department grows, this position is intended to grow with it. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to assume increasing ownership of the editorial operation and advance into an Editor role, with a longer-term path toward Editor & Content Director, based on demonstrated performance, leadership and the needs of the organization.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting & Journalism -
Primary Focus:
Develop and write original local news stories, features, business profiles and community coverage. Cover town and village boards, schools, local government, community organizations, businesses and events. Develop sources and relationships throughout Washington County, Rutland County and surrounding NY/VT communities. Conduct interviews, research stories and independently develop story ideas. Respond to breaking news and timely community developments when appropriate. Capture basic photography and digital content when needed. Maintain a consistent pipeline of original locally reported content.
Editing & Publication:
Edit and proofread staff, freelance and submitted content for accuracy, clarity, grammar and AP Style. Assist in determining story placement, headlines and content priorities. Help oversee the weekly content flow from assignment through publication. Review pages and proofs prior to publication. Work closely with production to ensure content is complete and delivered on schedule. Help maintain consistent editorial quality across NYVT Media publications.
Content Planning:
Help build and maintain weekly and long-term editorial calendars. Identify upcoming meetings, events, seasonal topics and community stories. Help plan special sections, seasonal guides and feature publications. Develop story ideas beyond press releases and submitted material. Help determine which stories should be developed for print, website, newsletters, social media and multimedia.
Digital & Audience Development:
Ensure important stories are published online in a timely manner. Help develop content for newsletters and social media. Identify opportunities for video, photography and multimedia storytelling. Help grow NYVT Media's digital audience and community engagement.
Developing Leadership Responsibilities:
Help coordinate assignments with freelance contributors and community correspondents. Provide editing, feedback and guidance to contributors. Participate in editorial meetings and weekly coverage planning. Help establish newsroom workflows, deadlines and editorial standards. Gradually assume greater responsibility for editorial decision-making and team leadership as experience develops.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, media or related field preferred. Strong reporting, writing, editing and proofreading skills. Working knowledge of AP Style. Experience working for a newspaper, student publication or professional news organization. Strong news judgment and genuine curiosity about local communities. Ability to manage multiple stories and deadlines simultaneously. Comfortable attending meetings, interviewing community leaders and developing sources. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign strongly preferred. Digital publishing, newsletters, social media, photography and multimedia experience are a plus. Strong communication, organization and follow-through. Desire to grow into an editorial leadership position. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
First 3 Months — Learn & Establish Learn the communities, publications, workflow and people. Establish a consistent reporting rhythm, develop sources and community relationships, produce reliable original local coverage and become proficient in the weekly publication process. 3-6 Months — Take Ownership Begin taking greater ownership of Border Press's weekly editorial operation, including helping plan coverage, editing contributor content, maintaining the editorial calendar, identifying story opportunities and coordinating content with production. 6-12 Months — Lead & Build Demonstrate the ability to independently manage significant portions of the editorial workflow, coordinate freelancers and reporters, maintain publication deadlines, strengthen content quality and consistency, and begin functioning as the lead editor when appropriate. Beyond 12 Months — Growth Opportunity Based on demonstrated performance, leadership, editorial judgment and the needs and growth of NYVT Media, there is an opportunity for advancement to Editor, with a longer-term career path toward Editor & Content Director.
