2008 Woodie Awards
Staff Position Descriptions
Editor-in-Chief
Is chosen by the Student Media Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall editorial operation and leadership of the newsroom. The Editor has final authority in news decisions and is responsible for working for the stated objectives of the newspaper, and is its chief spokesperson.
News Editor
Reports to the Editor-in-Chief and is responsible for the total news gathering operation. The News Editor directs the Assistant News Editors and all staff reporters. The News Editor also writes and edits copy.
Managing Editor
Reports to the Editor-in-Chief and is responsible for the overall design of the newspaper. This person approves all page layouts and personally designs Page One and Inside Life pages. Must be proficient in QuarkXPress.
Assistant News Editors
Report to the News Editor and work with teams of reporters, to include assigning of news stories and the first phase of editing and proofing. They work with the News Editor to coordinate news beats and to generate story ideas.
Diversions Editor
Reports to the Editor-in-Chief and is responsible for the content of the Diversions pages. This position assigns and writes stories, edits copy, and designs pages in coordination with the Managing Editor.
Sports Editor
Reports to the Editor-in-Chief and is responsible for the sports section newsgathering efforts. This position also designs pages (coordinating efforts with the Managing Editor), assigns and writes stories and edits copy.
Assistant Sports Editor
Reports to the Sports Editor and is responsible for assisting in the assigning and writing of sports stories. Is in charge in the absence of the Sports Editor.
Photo Editor
Reports to the Editor-in-Chief and is responsible for the photography content. This position coordinates photo assignments by working with other editors, directs darkroom operations and is responsible for maintaining photo supplies. Must have darkroom and Photoshop experience.
Assistant Photo Editor
Reports to the Photo Editor and is responsible for assisting in the coordination of photo assignments, shoots assignments and works to coach and teach other photographers. Is in charge in the absence of the Photo Editor.
Online Editor
Reports to the Editor-in-Chief and is responsible for the operation of www.cm-life.com. Job includes the updating of all Web site content on production nights, and when the Editor-in-Chief decides to post content of an immediate nature. Acts as the gatekeeper for posted messages to determine whether they meet the standards and policies established by CM Life.
Paginators
Report to the Managing Editor. Duties include page layout, headline writing, proofreading and working with wire copy. Must be proficient in QuarkXPress.
Proofreaders
Report to the Managing Editor. Duties include proofing of all finished pages. Must be proficient in spelling, grammar and CM Life's Manual of Style.
Staff Photographers
Report to either the Photo Editor or Assistant Photo Editor. Responsible for completing assignments and in generating their own ideas for photos and photo pages. Must have own camera equipment and have knowledge of darkroom procedures.
Staff Writers
Report primarily to the Assistant News Editors, Sports Editor, or Diversions Editor. Can be assigned to a variety of campus or community beats, spot news or feature writing. Must have a good grasp of grammar, spelling and newspaper style.
