Overview: As the public face of Mustang Media Group, the editor-in-chief handles pressure with grace and leads diplomatically. This person ensures there is fresh, regularly updated multimedia content across platforms (Mustang News and KCPR) and is in charge of integrating content. The editor-in-chief is responsible for final editorial decisions across all platforms. The main focus is “digital-first” storytelling, but the editor in chief’s goal is to use the best platform for the given content. The editor-in-chief plans, oversees and directs training, staff meetings and events and advises the Media Board of any instances of staff members who act unethically or do not perform their job duties.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as student manager of all MMG editorial products across all platforms, including MNTV, Mustang News, KCPR.org, and Mustang News on KCPR
- Strategize the reporting and distribution of major stories and large event coverage
- Makes budget and salary decisions, in communication with the general manager
- Survey the college and professional media landscape to find the most successful and engaging practices
- Plan and execute innovative ideas
- Implement trainings & growth opportunities throughout the year
- With the Social Media Manager and other managers, plan social media coverage of major stories
- Oversee hiring and ensure each section has sufficient staff and skills
- Develop new staff members so they understand Mustang Media Group standards and become better journalists throughout the year
- Review sensitive content for final approval
- Respond to criticism professionally and work to bridge divides between Mustang Media Group and other campus and non-campus entities
- Coordinate with MMG advertising and business where appropriate
- Supervise coverage during summer and other academic breaks
- Work with appropriate managers and editors to develop coverage plan
- Act as a primary point of contact for staff, platform managers and section editors
- Plan and organize the staff-wide training held at the beginning of the academic year
- Facilitate trainings throughout the year on best practices for reporting, writing and content production
- Promote team cohesion, including via social events for management and staff
- Lead the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee with training, outreach and event initiatives that strengthen relationships among MMG staff and other organizations
- Lead weekly staff and management team meetings and attend weekly KCPR management meetings
- Act as a liaison between the Media Board and the management team (Communicate feedback, questions, budget information, salaries, etc.)
- Facilitate discussion regarding content between MMG branches which includes MMG Business, KCPR and MN Editorial for further integration
- Meet with MMG advisers and the General Manager to address issues in MMG in regard to content or management. Meet with the General Manager weekly
- Work to mediate conflict within teams (i.e. reporter not attending meetings)
- Meet quarterly with the Media Board to discuss the status of MMG
- Attend 462 pitch meetings to discuss pitches from the class for MN and KCPR
- Work with MN managing editor, MN creative director, and MMG advertising design manager to plan print each month (pages, deadlines, editing, etc)
- Be enrolled/attend J455 weekly
Stipend: $650/month