Editor in Chief (Student/Work Study)

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How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter describing why you are a great fit for the position and how you define a good leader.

Job Summary

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the Michigan Times is responsible for the content and management of the Michigan Times. We are looking for an individual who understands the purpose of journalism in the community, who understands what it means to be a leader, and who will strive to create the best student newspaper possible. The Michigan Times needs a leader who is organized; possesses great communication skills; is self-disciplined; can cultivate a fun, welcoming, and hardworking culture among peers; and is excited to take control of the paper. While the M-Times has a two-adviser team to guide the EIC and staff, the publication's content, quality, and culture are dependent upon the EIC.

Who We Are

For 65 years, The Michigan Times served as the voice of University of Michigan-Flint students. Now, the paper needs an Editor-in-Chief to keep that tradition alive. After ceasing publication during the 2024-2025 school year, the M-Times seeks an editor willing to rebuild it into a thriving and engaging student publication.

Responsibilities*

Staff Support:

  • The Michigan Times EIC is responsible for ensuring that The Michigan Times editorial content fulfills its mission of informing and connecting the University of Michigan-Flint community.
  • The EIC is responsible for upholding ethical journalistic standards at the M-Times.
  • The EIC is responsible for working with advisers for onboarding and training for M-Times staff to include M-Times operating procedures and staff expectations.
  • The EIC is also responsible for providing ongoing communication and feedback for M-Times staff.
  • The EIC is responsible for meeting with their advisor regularly to problem solve, listen to feedback, and address any other issues needing discussion.

Content Management:

  • The M-Times EIC collaborates with section editors, reporters and photographers to generate content for The M-Times in all its formats: print publication, online publication and social media.
  • Approval of all editorial content belongs to the EIC.

Layout/Design:

  • The M-Times EIC has final creative say over the overall layout and design of the print publication, website and social media pages.

Administrative:

  • The M-Times EIC acts as the main point of contact for the publication.
  • The EIC is expected to plan and/or attend events promoting the M-Times, and lead other efforts to increase the visibility of the M-Times.
  • As the main point of contact and serving as the "face" of the M-Times, the EIC is expected to interact with the public in the M-Times's best interest and serve as a good representative.
  • Funds providing, the EIC may be required to travel for out-of-state conferences.

Skills You Have

These may be learned after hiring

  • Knowledge of Associated Press style
  • Understanding the priority of news
  • Ability to identify potential article ideas
  • Knowledge of communication law (i.e. Libel, plagiarism)
  • Ability to work under strict deadlines/pressure

Required Qualifications*

  • Current UM-Flint student 
  • Strong leadership qualities, including an ability to: 
    • delegate appropriate tasks
    • support peers
    • strive to create a fun and hardworking culture and atmosphere.
  • Good organizational/time management skills
  • Competency with MS Office, Google Docs; willing to learn project management software

Desired Qualifications*

  • Prior newspaper/publication experience (such as high school student newspaper)

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fourth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.