Founding Editor-in-Chief

The Overlook is an independent, nonprofit media platform dedicated to

providing local news coverage to the communities of Hunter, Hurley, Olive,

Saugerties, Shandaken and Woodstock in New York’s Catskills region. The

Overlook is seeking a founding editor-in-chief who encompasses a broad

range of skills: 

Managing. The successful candidate will oversee editorial content, help set

the tone and direction of The Overlook, play a key role in building out and

managing a team of reporters/writers and ensure the newspaper serves the

community’s needs and interests. Working with our Steering Committee

and Advisory Board, the Founding Editor-in-Chief will demonstrate

leadership skills and an understanding of the role that journalism can and

must play in making our communities great places to live and work.

MULTI-TASKING AND TIME MANAGEMENT. Strong organizational skills

and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are critical to

being a successful candidate. Also, a demonstrated ability to effectively

manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Understanding of small community

dynamics and the ability to engage with local audiences effectively is a plus

as well as building relationships with community leaders, organizations,

and readers. As the newsroom leader and public face of The Overlook,

this person must have a robust presence in the community and be able to

remain dispassionate, analytical, and objective when faced with criticism

from readers. Some night and weekend work may be required, as news

demands. Preference will be given to candidates who live in The Overlook

area and have a connection to the Catskills region.

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT. Previous experience in digital media and

online publishing is highly preferred and the candidate should be able to

think broadly about how stories might be enhanced with multimedia

components. The Founding Editor-in-Chief should be adept at using current

social media platforms and willing to embrace those that may emerge in the

future. The successful candidate should be familiar with the metrics used to

measure readership on all platforms and be aware of audience trends. The

Founding Editor-in-Chief will also be part of regular live reader forums as

well as other events and must be open to listening deeply to feedback,

opinions, and story ideas from the community.

EDUCATION AND EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE. Bachelor’s or master’s

degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or

equivalent combination of education and experience. At least 3-6 years of

experience in journalism or communications, with a strong background in

editing, writing, and reporting. The editor should have proven experience in

spotting and cultivating talented writers, reporters, columnists and

photographers who will make The Overlook a must-read publication for the

community. The Founding Editor-in-Chief must be able not only to

rigorously edit and fact-check but to write clearly and quickly on deadline,

whether focusing on breaking news, features, or enterprise and

investigative work. The expected range of stories will include coverage of

local government and politics, schools/sports, housing and economic

development, environment and health, diversity and inclusion, arts and

entertainment, and stories that impact both full-time and part-time residents

plus the thousands who visit here to shop and play. The person holding

this position should be well-versed in AP style and ascribe to the ethical

principles developed by The Overlook and posted on our website.

Salary range. This job comes with a competitive salary as well as an

annual cost-of-living raise and a stipend for health benefits. A computer

and cell-phone stipend will be supplied. This job will have 10 days of paid

time off per year, five days of paid sick leave, and up to 12 weeks of paid

family leave. Support for professional training and attending industry

conferences will be offered. 

To apply. Please send your resume and a short cover letter that tells us

about you and about your vision for this job and email to

jobsearch@theoverlooknews.com

Statement on racial equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging. 

The Overlook is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not

discriminate on the basis of race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual

orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin,

ancestry, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy or

pregnancy-related condition or any other protected characteristic. The

Overlook is committed to racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.