About this role
Associate Editor
The Associate Editor is a full-time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt union position reporting to the Editor-in-Chief (or the Executive Director should the EIC position be unfilled). This position supports the weekly publication of an award-winning, independent print newspaper. The position is key to fulfilling Real Change's editorial vision as the Seattle-area alternative newspaper of the progressive community, producing advocacy journalism focusing on issues of race and class.
About Real Change
Real Change exists to provide opportunity and a voice to low-income and homeless people while taking action for economic, social and racial justice. For over 30 years, we have been a trusted hub for community, journalism, and economic opportunity in Seattle. Our Vendor Program offers immediate, low-barrier work to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Vendors are self-employed, earning income by selling the weekly, award-winning Real Change newspaper. Vendors are the heart of our organization, and centering their voices, agency, and success guides every department and every role at Real Change. We meet people where they are, without judgment, and support one another in reaching personal and professional goals. All Real Change staff are expected to bring this commitment to their work, actively welcoming vendor engagement, supporting vendor participation across the organization, and advancing our mission of economic, social and racial justice.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
Reporting and Writing (70%)
- Work with the editorial team to identify stories and plan coverage
- Produce at least one news/feature article of at least 700 words and one brief (400-500 words) on weekly basis
- Propose art images/infographics for stories
- Provide editorial support including editing contributions, fact checking and ensuring adherence to style guide for select pages as assigned
- Gather news using contacts, sources, personal interviews, wire services, news briefings and/or press releases
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with individuals, community organizations, publishers and other media
- Help ensure vendor-written content and vendor perspectives are considered in the paper and that vendors are supported through this engagement
Website and Social Media (20%)
- Manage news pages on RC website: ensure completion of weekly website newspaper upload and supervise website volunteer as needed
- Ensure weekly content overview/synopsis for social content creation is shared with appropriate staff
- Upload select stories to Street News Service weekly
- Support social media content goals
General Office Duties (10%)
- Represent Real Change in the community and at events
- Attend and participate in weekly truck unload
- Develop relationships with vendors, encourage participation and feedback between vendors and the news team
- Attend weekly meetings and staff trainings
- Participate in cross-department committees
- Other duties as assigned
This job description represents the minimum required level of performance necessary to be successful in the position and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of functions or responsibilities that are required of the role. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time, and does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Compensation: Salary is $27.00 per hour, hourly non-exempt The benefit package includes Health and Dental coverage, 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 weeks’ sick time, 11 holidays, 403(b) Retirement Fund with a 4% Real Change contribution, and annual professional development funds.