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Title
Text copied to clipboard!Assignment Editor
Description
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We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Assignment Editor to join our newsroom team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the daily news-gathering process, assigning stories to reporters, and ensuring comprehensive and timely coverage of breaking news and scheduled events. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong editorial judgment, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
As an Assignment Editor, you will serve as the central hub of the newsroom, coordinating with reporters, producers, photographers, and digital teams to ensure that all news content is accurate, relevant, and engaging. You will monitor news wires, social media, scanner traffic, and other sources to identify potential stories and breaking news. You will also be responsible for maintaining the newsroom calendar, tracking upcoming events, and ensuring that all assignments are covered efficiently.
The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of journalistic ethics and standards, as well as a strong grasp of local, national, and international news. You should be comfortable making quick decisions under pressure and have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously. Experience in a newsroom environment is essential, and familiarity with newsroom software and content management systems is a plus.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the news coverage of a dynamic and respected media organization. If you are passionate about journalism and thrive in a collaborative, high-energy environment, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities
Text copied to clipboard!- Assign stories to reporters and photographers based on newsworthiness and availability
- Monitor news wires, social media, and scanner traffic for breaking news
- Coordinate coverage of scheduled events and press conferences
- Maintain and update the newsroom assignment calendar
- Communicate with field crews to gather updates and provide direction
- Ensure accuracy and fairness in all assigned stories
- Collaborate with producers and digital teams to align coverage across platforms
- Track developing stories and follow up on leads
- Manage newsroom logistics and resource allocation
- Review and edit reporter pitches for relevance and feasibility
Requirements
Text copied to clipboard!- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a newsroom environment
- Strong editorial judgment and news sense
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Familiarity with newsroom software and content management systems
- Knowledge of AP style and journalistic ethics
- Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
- Experience coordinating with multiple teams and departments
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Potential interview questions
Text copied to clipboard!- How many years of newsroom experience do you have?
- Can you describe a time you managed breaking news coverage?
- What tools do you use to monitor news and social media?
- How do you prioritize assignments during a busy news day?
- Are you comfortable working irregular hours, including weekends?
- What is your approach to ensuring journalistic integrity?
- Have you worked with digital teams to coordinate coverage?
- How do you handle conflicting assignment requests?
- What newsroom software are you familiar with?
- Can you provide an example of a successful story assignment you managed?
