The design editor is responsible for the overall look and visual quality of the newspaper. The design editor oversees two or three other designers. As a salaried employee, hours will vary, but the design editor must be able to work an average of 30 hours a week. The design editor is responsible for daily design of the newspaper, and will be specifically expected to:
- Have an understanding of newspaper design and be able to design pages
- Become extremely familiar with the operation of computer design tools, including InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
- Keep track of all graphic elements, making sure they are finished in time for publication and contain no errors
- Ensure communication between the news and design desks and between the photo and design desks
- Design and paginate pages and train others to do the same
- Paginate the paper at least once a week, and fill in for designers as needed
- Produce graphic tags, pictures and infographics for the news, sports and entertainment desks
- Search clip art files when needed
- Help organize larger news projects, such as a series of articles on a subject by one or more writers, a photo essay with an accompanying article, or a major front-page package with photos, graphics and text
- Assist and advise the editor in chief in the hiring of employees on the design desk and in decisions on Emerald visual style and design
- Train design desk employees in the proper fulfillment of their duties
- Schedule and conduct weekly desk meetings
- Attend week ahead meetings on Sunday and budget meetings at 3:30 p.m Monday through Thursday
- Set individual goals each term to improve journalistic skills, and help others set goals each term to improve their journalistic skills
Direct supervisor: Managing editor