HOME MAGAZINE EDITOR

PART-TIME CONTRACT EMPLOYEE | $20,000 - $25,000 ANNUALLY

James River Media is seeking an experienced editor to join our team. In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for editing Central Virginia HOME, Roanoke Valley HOME and Smith Mountain Lake HOME. The candidate will fully manage the editorial calendar, set publication standards, generate content ideas, manage the writing staff, edit content ensuring consistency with the HOME brand and voice, and finalize content.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Fully manage the editorial calendar

• Set article due dates for each issue, which currently includes five regular issues of HOME (Central Virginia & Roanoke Valley) per year, plus an annual issue for Smith Mountain Lake

• Work with the publisher to set production calendar

Set publication standards

• Ensure the magazine follows our style guide, based on AP style, while also creating a consistent voice that is warm, welcoming and inspirational

• Oversee writers and provide feedback to improve their performance and meet our requirements and deadlines

Generate content ideas

• Schedule a story brainstorming session and solicit ideas for each issue from the publisher, art director and Roanoke’s contributing editor

• Curate a list of stories that covers the right mix of topics: Design, Improve, Garden and Live

Assign stories

• Match each writer’s specific skills, talents, and affinities with the appropriate story topic and type

• Interview writers, especially freelancers, review their experience, evaluate their portfolio pieces and determine whether they’re a good match for HOME

Edit stories

• Work with writers to achieve the cleanest, clearest prose, ensuring consistency with the HOME brand and voice

• Review story lists to ensure all interviews have been conducted by the writers

• Edit Premier Profiles and Nonprofit Spotlights

Produce additional content

• Editor’s note

• Table of contents

• Headers for department articles

• Headlines/subheads when needed

• Create a proposed story order

Review first proof

• Check for errors and typos in the content

• Weigh in on photo/typography selections

Finalize content and cover

• Assist in choosing a final cover for each market from choices presented by the art director

• Once chosen, write cover copy for each

• Attend final proofing session, where editorial content and advertisements are proofread

Contribute to The HOME Show

• Be a part of our weekly one-hour radio program, The HOME Show with the publisher

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications or related field and 5+ years experience as an editor

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Excellent organizational skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other publishing tools