Job Title: Editor-in-Chief, The Sputnik
Reports To: President and Publisher
Supervises: The Sputnik Editorial Board, Staff, and The Sputnik Volunteers.
Term of Office: May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025, for 15 hours/week, salaried.
Job Description:
Hired by the President and Publisher, Board and Executive Director, the Sputnik Editor-in-Chief is responsible for overseeing the production of The Sputnik newspaper on a monthly basis, ensuring all deadlines are met, and is responsible for overseeing all other WLUSP Brantford Operations. The EIC hires and supervises the work of all Branford Student Publication managers, staff and volunteers. In addition, the EIC is responsible for completing the budgeting process. The EIC will assist the Executive Director in the management of day-to-day Brantford business operations.
A publication’s department head is responsible for ensuring the production of their publication and, where applicable, their publication’s website. They are responsible for maintaining deadlines, overseeing production, maintaining consistent quality, preventing any instance of libel or plagiarism, preparing budgets, and managing staff and volunteers.
The Sputnik is the official student newspaper for the Laurier Brantford campus. Print issues of the newspaper are released monthly, with online-specific content being created as needed. The Editor-in-Chief will oversee the publication of 8 print issues from September-May; the content, design and upkeep of thesputnik.ca; and also The Sputnik‘s social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other relevant platforms.
Responsibilities:
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- Responsible for hiring The Sputnik‘s Editorial board and overseeing the hiring process for general volunteers
- Ensure all volunteers are properly oriented and trained
- Meet regularly with The Sputnik‘s Editorial board
- Manage all directly reporting staff and ensure the effective supervision of all staff and volunteers
- Ensure that all Sputnik staff and volunteers are informed of and compliant with WLUSP policy and code of conduct, etc.
- Facilitate all human resource activities and professional development activities across Brantford departments, including, but not limited to the hiring and termination of staff and volunteers alongside the WLUSP HR Manager
- Oversee and participate in activities undertaken to recruit and orient new Sputnik staff and volunteers
- Conduct mid-year reviews with members of The Sputnik‘s Editorial Board
- Assist the President and Executive Director in preparing the interim and operating budget for Brantford departments
- Supervise budgetary compliance and bring any desired amendments to the President and Board of Directors in accordance with WLUSP policy and by-laws
- Act as a liaison and mediator between Brantford departments and between WLUSP Brantford and WLUSP Waterloo
- Coordinate public relations activities and represent WLUSP Brantford to the media
- Attend all staff meetings unless due warning is provided to the WLUSP President
- Attend all meetings and conferences on behalf of WLUSP as required
- Ensure that The Sputnik is sent to the printer on time
- Responsible for the overall production for The Sputnik newspaper and thesputnik.ca
- Manages and oversees all uses or representation of The Sputnik logo or brand
- Ensure that Student Publications is operating in accordance with its existing by-laws, policies and guidelines
- Participate in the hiring of relevant staff in the months preceding the term of office and the last months of term of office
- Prepare a year-end transition report for the next EIC of The Sputnik
- Any other reasonable duties as required by the President and/or Executive Director
This role gives you the opportunity to grow your professional skills and challenge yourself in an environment focused on growth and development by creating high-quality products that are enjoyed by the Laurier and Brantford community.
This position will provide a great opportunity to build experience in media, student journalism and creative fields, and allow you the chance to be apart of one of the most inclusive, friendly, and fun organizations on the Laurier campus.
Application requirements:
If this sounds like the type of position you’d like to apply to, please send an email to president@wlusp.com with the following requirements:
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- Subject line “The Sputnik Application: Editor-in-Chief”
- Resume (1 page, PDF)
- Platform (30-page maximum, PDF)
A platform is your vision for the upcoming year. Include your goals for the publication, your experience/what you’ll bring to the role, departmental structure, capital asset improvements and any details you feel should be included in your document
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- Clearly state your name, year of study, contact information and the position you are applying for on a cover page
- Clearly label the sections of your platform
- In your platform, clearly outline all positions and roles within the publication you are applying for. As well, clearly state any changes you wish to implement within those positions or roles if applicable
Applications for this position will be due on Monday, February 26 at 5:00 p.m. We appreciate and will review all applications, but please note that only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
If the position is still vacant after the first hiring period concludes, applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Upon applying for the position, if successful, you will be contacted to set up an interview.
WLUSP is committed to preserving an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). We welcome and encourage applications from people of all abilities. Unfortunately, our offices contain inaccessible infrastructure such as stairs, however, accommodations will be made whenever reasonably possible. Accommodations are available upon request for all applicants. Please email hr@wlusp.com or call 226-606-7540 if you require accommodations during the hiring process.
*Applicants who apply before Monday, February 26 at 5:00 p.m. will be considered before those who apply after the deadline.
*We work to accommodate the needs of our employees and have a hybrid working model.
