Managing Editor

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas, growing as disciples of Jesus and making disciples for Jesus.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Managing Editor leads the daily operations and publication of The Leaven, providing hands-on leadership for the timely production of engaging, high-quality content that communicates the faith and mission of the Church and the pastoral vision of the Archbishop. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, assignment, and production of print and digital content, ensuring editorial quality, budget compliance, and adherence to publication deadlines.
• Direct marketing, promotional, multimedia, podcasting, and special project initiatives, while coordinating coverage with the Chief Communications Officer to support organizational communication goals.
• Lead and develop editorial, production, advertising, and freelance personnel through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Create, maintain, and grow a stable group of reliable freelance writers, photographers, and professional contacts to serve as advisors, contributors, and sounding boards for the paper and website.
• Edit and rewrite, as needed, copy, headlines, and captions to clarify meaning and to conform to the newspaper’s style and editorial policy.
• Supervise copy editing of outside submissions and routine proofreading of pages in the production process.
• Manage content for The Leaven’s website and review design and content annually.
• Develop and contribute to the coherent vision for The Leaven by providing input and approving redesigns of the newspaper and/or website.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field required.
• Minimum five (5) years’ relevant work experience, preferably in a variety of publication environments.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Docs.
• Intermediate proficiency working with computer software, including InDesign, Photoshop, iPhoto, and WordPress.
• Practicing Catholic in good standing is helpful and preferred.

Skills

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, both one-on-one and in group settings.
• Superior judgment regarding sources, stories, and topics suitable to an archdiocesan newspaper.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to guide, nurture, and inspire a team of media professionals.
• Excellent writing skills, with an emphasis on copy editing, substantive editing, headline writing, and proofreading.
• Excellent photography and photo-editing skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits plan including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401k plan with matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.