Desk editor job description
Updated March 14, 2024
8 min read
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Example desk editor requirements on a job description
Desk editor requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in desk editor job postings.
Sample desk editor requirements
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Proven experience as a desk editor or similar role
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and content management systems (CMS)
Sample required desk editor soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and priorities
Desk editor job description example 1
The Washington Post desk editor job description
Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
The Washington Post is looking for a journalist to guide the General Assignment news desk on weekend evenings and contribute as an editor or writer on weekdays.
The GA desk covers breaking news stories in collaboration with Politics, the America desk, Health & Science, Business, Foreign and beyond. It is also a newsroom leader in delivering our live updates, the rapidly refreshing news tickers often featured on our homepage. GA writers also produce richly reported and artfully written same-day stories that appeal to a wide range of readers.
The ideal candidate should have experience writing or line editing on deadline for a major publication, as well as working with reporters on story selection and elevation. The editor must be collaborative, willing to work with multiple desks around the Post newsroom and able to play the role that is most needed by the team on any given day. The ability to write news alerts and run our live-updates file is also essential.
This position is based in our Washington newsroom.
Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three clips (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. All application materials can be packaged in a single upload. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 08/08/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to General Assignment Editor Keith McMillan, Deputy Managing Editor Sharif Durhams and Managing Editor Krissah Thompson.
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
The Washington Post is looking for a journalist to guide the General Assignment news desk on weekend evenings and contribute as an editor or writer on weekdays.
The GA desk covers breaking news stories in collaboration with Politics, the America desk, Health & Science, Business, Foreign and beyond. It is also a newsroom leader in delivering our live updates, the rapidly refreshing news tickers often featured on our homepage. GA writers also produce richly reported and artfully written same-day stories that appeal to a wide range of readers.
The ideal candidate should have experience writing or line editing on deadline for a major publication, as well as working with reporters on story selection and elevation. The editor must be collaborative, willing to work with multiple desks around the Post newsroom and able to play the role that is most needed by the team on any given day. The ability to write news alerts and run our live-updates file is also essential.
This position is based in our Washington newsroom.
Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three clips (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. All application materials can be packaged in a single upload. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 08/08/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to General Assignment Editor Keith McMillan, Deputy Managing Editor Sharif Durhams and Managing Editor Krissah Thompson.
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife
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Desk editor job description example 2
ESPN desk editor job description
The Assignment Desk Editor proactively gathers and communicates content for use on ESPN platforms, working with ESPN staff and vendors, social media, affiliates and other networks. Possesses an in depth understanding of rights and clearances issues. Actively engages and shows ownership in team assignments. Hires camera crews, books studios, and arranges feeds and/or transfer of content. Strategizes and organizes movement of IP-based transmission devices for coverage. Handles all ancillary crew needs, such as technology and equipment, ethernet and fiber transmission for event coverages, as well as other duties as needed. Participates in strategic editorial and logistical planning of coverage. Acts as the liaison between shows, crews in the field, Media Operations, and Transmission. This position requires the ability to multi-task and think strategically, to be a self-starter and passionate about their work. Shifts will include nights and weekends. This position will sit in our LA office, but may be open to other sites including Bristol, NY, or Charlotte.
**Responsibilities:**
+ Reacts immediately to breaking news and requests; pursues story-related content (sound and video) in a timely manner
+ Clears social media content for ESPN platforms
+ Collaborates with internal partner as well as other networks on breaking news stories, sharing of information, video and sound
+ Gathers and enters transmission information (satellite, fiber, cable) for televised games
+ Hires freelance ENG crews
+ Possesses depth of knowledge in fiber, satellite, cellular, FTP, and viral newsgathering procedures
+ Assigns and coordinates movement of IP-based transmission devices
+ Coordinates game and studio events, including booking transmission needs (TVU/satellite/fiber), and promotes synergy between game and studio productions
+ Works well in a team setting, shows initiative and problem-solving skills; takes direction from assignment desk management, coordinating producers, news editors, producers and senior editors
+ Stays informed and up-to-date on sporting events and has above-average sports knowledge
**Qualifications:**
+ Superior interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to handle high-volume email and phone traffic
+ Demonstrated initiative and positive, solution-oriented outlook
+ Advanced ability to organize and prioritize
+ Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
+ Strong knowledge of sports
+ Working knowledge of television production and electronic and social media newsgathering
+ Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs: Outlook, Excel, Word
**Preferred Qualifications:**
+ A minimum of three years' experience in a television-related field
+ Verbal and written fluency in Spanish a plus.
**Location:** Los Angeles,California
**Job Posting Company:** ESPN
ESPN Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
**Responsibilities:**
+ Reacts immediately to breaking news and requests; pursues story-related content (sound and video) in a timely manner
+ Clears social media content for ESPN platforms
+ Collaborates with internal partner as well as other networks on breaking news stories, sharing of information, video and sound
+ Gathers and enters transmission information (satellite, fiber, cable) for televised games
+ Hires freelance ENG crews
+ Possesses depth of knowledge in fiber, satellite, cellular, FTP, and viral newsgathering procedures
+ Assigns and coordinates movement of IP-based transmission devices
+ Coordinates game and studio events, including booking transmission needs (TVU/satellite/fiber), and promotes synergy between game and studio productions
+ Works well in a team setting, shows initiative and problem-solving skills; takes direction from assignment desk management, coordinating producers, news editors, producers and senior editors
+ Stays informed and up-to-date on sporting events and has above-average sports knowledge
**Qualifications:**
+ Superior interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to handle high-volume email and phone traffic
+ Demonstrated initiative and positive, solution-oriented outlook
+ Advanced ability to organize and prioritize
+ Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
+ Strong knowledge of sports
+ Working knowledge of television production and electronic and social media newsgathering
+ Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs: Outlook, Excel, Word
**Preferred Qualifications:**
+ A minimum of three years' experience in a television-related field
+ Verbal and written fluency in Spanish a plus.
**Location:** Los Angeles,California
**Job Posting Company:** ESPN
ESPN Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
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Desk editor job description example 3
TEGNA desk editor job description
Are you a journalist who thrives on chasing the story and the pursuit of the truth? WTSP/10 Tampa Bay, TEGNA's CBS affiliate in Tampa/St. Pete, is recruiting a Digital Desk Producer who is curious about the world and has a vision for what local news can and should be for multiple platforms.
The ideal candidate will have experience newsgathering, deploying crews and tracking multiple things at once. This person also has solid news judgment, creative writing skills and strong copy-editing skills. They also will have an "audience first" approach to producing and distributing content that meets consumers where they are.
Digital Desk Producers are leaders in our newsroom who urgently and aggressively cover breaking and developing stories. This position is for a person who is passionate about local news and connecting people with a track record of presenting hard news with the balance of many voices and perspectives.
This person will join a combined assignment desk and digital team that manages newsroom assignments and oversees the quality of 10 Tampa Bay stories across all platforms. The WTSP newsroom is proudly "one content team," meaning broadcast and digital share equal stage. We believe in constant learning, but the ideal candidate will walk in having been trained in the basics of writing thorough articles and engaging headlines, optimized for different audience needs.
Responsibilities:
* Produce audience first, engaging content through digital articles, videos, photo galleries, social media, push alerts, live streams and interactive elements
* Gather and share story updates, tips and information internally
* Review and respond to news releases, news tips, emails, user-generated content and social media messages to identify unique, local and engaging content
* Do all necessary reporting efforts to turn information into digital content, such as make calls, get pictures or video to support a story, research and confirm information, etc.
* Focus on accuracy and balance in stories through editing and working with reporters
* Work with urgency to publish and broadcast breaking news and update as needed
* Be a leader in editorial meetings and conversations, including pitching stories
* Use digital and social analytics to inform editorial decisions
* Monitor social media for breaking news, find interesting stories, track trends and report findings to newsroom
* Work with digital managers, newsroom leaders and all producers to coordinate the development and distribution of content across all editorial platforms
* Collaborate with other TEGNA stations, CBS affiliates and other partners to search trending content and publish compelling stories, photos and video from our corporate network across web, mobile and social media platforms
Job Requirements:
Requirements:
* 2-5 years of experience on an assignment desk or digital team preferred
* Understanding the tenants of professional journalism
* Organizational skills and the ability to work under constant time pressure deadlines
* Ability to calmly handle live, breaking news situations and changing events
* Experience with content management systems
* Knowledge of Google Analytics, Sharablee, Edius or ENPS a plus
* Strong social media skills, including an active news hound presence on Twitter and Facebook
* Basic image and video editing skills preferred
* Knowledge of the AP Stylebook preferred
* Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekend, night and holiday shifts
* Familiarity with Tampa/St. Pete and/or a reason to relocate here will make your application stand out. Please mention in your cover letter.
Travel: Rarely: less than 10%
Work Environment Set: Office: normally performed in a typical interior/office environment
Physical Demands Set: Sedentary work: Involves sitting most of the time; walking, lifting, bending, standing, etc.
About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 63 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network and Quest. TEGNA Marketing Solutions (TMS) offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA's OTT advertising service. For more information, visit
URL blocked - click to apply
.
TEGNA requires all employees to be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against the coronavirus.
EEO statement:
TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We encourage and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, veteran status or genetic information. TEGNA complies with all applicable laws related to accommodations.
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The ideal candidate will have experience newsgathering, deploying crews and tracking multiple things at once. This person also has solid news judgment, creative writing skills and strong copy-editing skills. They also will have an "audience first" approach to producing and distributing content that meets consumers where they are.
Digital Desk Producers are leaders in our newsroom who urgently and aggressively cover breaking and developing stories. This position is for a person who is passionate about local news and connecting people with a track record of presenting hard news with the balance of many voices and perspectives.
This person will join a combined assignment desk and digital team that manages newsroom assignments and oversees the quality of 10 Tampa Bay stories across all platforms. The WTSP newsroom is proudly "one content team," meaning broadcast and digital share equal stage. We believe in constant learning, but the ideal candidate will walk in having been trained in the basics of writing thorough articles and engaging headlines, optimized for different audience needs.
Responsibilities:
* Produce audience first, engaging content through digital articles, videos, photo galleries, social media, push alerts, live streams and interactive elements
* Gather and share story updates, tips and information internally
* Review and respond to news releases, news tips, emails, user-generated content and social media messages to identify unique, local and engaging content
* Do all necessary reporting efforts to turn information into digital content, such as make calls, get pictures or video to support a story, research and confirm information, etc.
* Focus on accuracy and balance in stories through editing and working with reporters
* Work with urgency to publish and broadcast breaking news and update as needed
* Be a leader in editorial meetings and conversations, including pitching stories
* Use digital and social analytics to inform editorial decisions
* Monitor social media for breaking news, find interesting stories, track trends and report findings to newsroom
* Work with digital managers, newsroom leaders and all producers to coordinate the development and distribution of content across all editorial platforms
* Collaborate with other TEGNA stations, CBS affiliates and other partners to search trending content and publish compelling stories, photos and video from our corporate network across web, mobile and social media platforms
Job Requirements:
Requirements:
* 2-5 years of experience on an assignment desk or digital team preferred
* Understanding the tenants of professional journalism
* Organizational skills and the ability to work under constant time pressure deadlines
* Ability to calmly handle live, breaking news situations and changing events
* Experience with content management systems
* Knowledge of Google Analytics, Sharablee, Edius or ENPS a plus
* Strong social media skills, including an active news hound presence on Twitter and Facebook
* Basic image and video editing skills preferred
* Knowledge of the AP Stylebook preferred
* Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekend, night and holiday shifts
* Familiarity with Tampa/St. Pete and/or a reason to relocate here will make your application stand out. Please mention in your cover letter.
Travel: Rarely: less than 10%
Work Environment Set: Office: normally performed in a typical interior/office environment
Physical Demands Set: Sedentary work: Involves sitting most of the time; walking, lifting, bending, standing, etc.
About TEGNA
TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 63 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network and Quest. TEGNA Marketing Solutions (TMS) offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA's OTT advertising service. For more information, visit
URL blocked - click to apply
.
TEGNA requires all employees to be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against the coronavirus.
EEO statement:
TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We encourage and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, veteran status or genetic information. TEGNA complies with all applicable laws related to accommodations.
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024