COPY CHIEF
The copy chief will coordinate a staff of five copy editors and will proof their work, editing all copy that appears in the newspaper for errors of grammar, punctuation, clarity, accuracy, fairness, wordiness and completeness. The copy chief will also proof read all headlines and summaries and write other display type.
The copy chief will be specifically expected to:
— Become extremely familiar will all the rules of Emerald and Associated Press style, as well as with the rules and restrictions associated with headline writing.
— Run the office after the editor in chief and managing editor leave.
— Ensure that all writing in the paper uses proper grammar and punctuation.
— Identify libelous or potentially libelous stories and alert the editor in chief.
— Make sure all the copy editors are kept up to date with the above rules and regularly check their work for compliance with them.
— Be prepared to answer any questions of style or grammar.
— Write headlines, summaries, captions, pull quotes, etc.
— Edit stories of all types that appear in the paper, correcting
inaccuracies, wordiness, poor organization, bad grammar or other writing errors.
— Constantly refer to reference materials to verify facts and spellings in stories.
— Identify stories that need major revision, possibly recommending that they be held.
— Critique and correct each issue of the paper.
— Bring the editor’s attention to consistent problems, such as a writer who keeps making the same mistakes, or a style rule that is repeatedly violated.
— Assist in hiring copy editors to fill vacancies during the year.
— Ensure that all copy editors are effectively utilized and receive ongoing training.
— Attend all announced staff meetings, and schedule regular meetings with copy editors to discuss problems and identify solutions.
— Monitor the news daily to keep abreast of all issues that need to be
covered.
— Attend calendar meetings twice a week and budget meetings at 4:30 p.m.Sunday through Thursday.
— Set individual goals each term to improve your journalistic skills.
Requirements: Must be enrolled as a student at the University of Oregon when the position begins. Must be able to work three nights a week from 4:30 p.m. until midnight.
Direct Supervisor: Managing editor