Copy Chief

The Copy Chief at The Baltimore Banner is responsible for leading a team of copy editors to ensure all stories and editorials meet high editorial standards. This includes editing content for accuracy, clarity, and compliance with a specific style guide, managing editorial deadlines, and guiding newsroom practices for cultural competency, ensuring that all voices and communities are represented respectfully.

Candidates for the Copy Chief role at The Baltimore Banner should have a minimum of 7 years of copy editing experience on a copy desk, along with management experience. Familiarity with AP Style guidelines and a deep understanding of local culture and journalism ethics are also critical to success in this position.

SEO knowledge is crucial for the Copy Chief at The Baltimore Banner, as the role entails writing engaging, keyword-rich headlines that attract online traffic. Understanding SEO best practices helps ensure that The Baltimore Banner's content reaches a wider audience, enhancing reader engagement and visibility.

Yes, The Baltimore Banner offers some flexibility for remote work for the Copy Chief position. However, it's essential to be available for night shifts and potentially on weekends, depending on news coverage requirements.

The Baltimore Banner fosters a culture of honesty, collaboration, and inclusivity. The ideal Copy Chief will share these values, emphasizing the importance of listening to community needs, delivering impactful journalism, and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated.

To ensure high editorial standards, I rely on a systematic approach that includes thorough fact-checking, adhering to established style guides, and actively collaborating with writers to clarify any ambiguities. Encouraging open communication and constructive feedback within the team is also essential to maintain quality in every article.

In my previous role, I successfully managed a diverse team of editors by fostering a collaborative environment where each member felt valued. I implemented regular feedback sessions, established clear goals, and created opportunities for professional development, which significantly improved the team's overall performance and morale.

When faced with tight deadlines, I prioritize effective time management and clear communication with my team. I break down the tasks and allocate responsibilities based on expertise, allowing for a more efficient workflow. Staying organized and focused on key deliverables helps ensure quality is maintained, even under pressure.

Maintaining a style guide requires regular updates as language evolves and new trends emerge. I conduct periodic reviews, incorporating team feedback, and I ensure all content adheres strictly to the guide. Training sessions to educate the editorial team about these updates also play a vital role in compliance.

Incorporating community perspectives is essential to relevant journalism. I advocate for regular engagement with readers through feedback channels, community forums, and outreach programs. By actively listening to diverse voices, we can ensure our content resonates with the audience and reflects their realities.

One challenging editorial decision involved deciding to publish a controversial opinion piece. After thorough discussions with the editorial team, I ensured that we balanced the viewpoints presented while adhering to our ethical standards. Transparency in decision-making and a commitment to journalistic integrity were key in this instance.

I stay updated by continually engaging with professional development resources, industry publications, and relevant workshops. Networking with fellow journalists and attending conferences also provides insights into emerging trends and best practices that I can then apply within my team.

My approach to writing SEO-friendly headlines involves conducting keyword research and focusing on readability while maintaining engagement. I aim to create concise yet compelling titles that accurately represent the content while addressing the audience's search intents, which ultimately helps drive traffic.

Constructive feedback is integral to fostering growth and continuous improvement within a team. I encourage an environment where feedback is welcomed and viewed as a collaborative process. Providing thoughtful feedback fosters dialogue, builds trust, and ultimately enhances the quality of our editorial work.

Cultural competency is essential in journalism as it ensures that we represent our communities authentically and respectfully. Adeptly understanding diverse cultural backgrounds allows us to provide contextually relevant coverage and serves to bridge gaps in understanding, fostering a more informed public.