Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: 58,400

Island Institute is the most trusted voice about issues affecting Maines coast. Our marketing team is seeking an Assistant Editor who will be responsible for creating both print and digital content for our signature publications, The Working Waterfront newspaper and the Island Journal magazine. The Assistant Editor works with the Editor to transition relationships and assignments with internal and external partners. They will work with the Editor to partner on the production of the printed newspaper six times per year as well as the online edition of the newspaper and the e-weekly bulletin.

Headquartered in Rockland, Maine, Island Institute is a leading community development organization dedicated tonavigating climate and economic changes withMaines island and coastal communities, expanding opportunities, and deliveringeffectivesolutions. Our culture thrives on innovation, collaboration, and creativity, driven by a vision where Maines island and coastal communitiesthrivein a rapidly changing world, serving as models of innovation.

The ideal candidate is seeking career growth and is a mission-driven writer and/or digital creator who deploys significant skill in reporting and digital media to help us maximize Island Institutes contribution as a trusted voice on critical climate and marine economy issues. They illustrate and share the Institutes mission via our publications and online channels by working collaboratively with staff, writers and external partners to translate and communicate complex issues affecting the coast of Maine, share resources and information, and help advocate for policies that help communities navigate these changes effectively.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree, preferably in journalism. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years experience working as a journalist, digital creator or writer.
• Professional interests that align strongly with the mission and vision of Island Institute.
• Proven integrity and judgment around the role of the press.
• Exceptional written communication skills; able to effectively convey the organizations mission, priorities, and programs to diverse audiences in a variety of formats.
• Outstanding verbal and interpersonal communication skills; able to speak about the organizations work in an articulate, professional, and compelling manner (one-on-one and with groups).
• The ability to listen in communities and in partnerships to inform, develop and deliver thoughtful reporting.
• The ability to give and receive constructive feedback with staff colleagues and community partners.
• Interest in shaping stories that inspire action and help community members solve problems.
• Skilled in using various digital platforms to enhance storytelling and organizational visibility.
• Comfort with technology, including social media platforms, information technology systems, and Office 365 applications.
• The ability and willingness to travel throughout Maine.

Essential Functions:

• The Assistant Editor helps to coordinate all writing, photography, editing, story selection and placement, design, schedules, printing and circulation for The Working Waterfront (WWF) newspaper, meeting established deadlines for 6 printed issues per year.
• Covers the issues that matter to newspaper readers and social media followers in a fair and balanced way while also extending the Institutes reach to its various members and constituencies.
• Produces both written and video content for The Working Waterfront social media and for the marketing team to use across channels.
• The Assistant Editor contributes story ideas and written content, as assigned, for the annual Island Journal magazine.
• Melds the platforms of print, digital, web-based and social media to expand readership and meet subscriber and revenue goals, including the content for and distribution of an e-weekly bulletin.
• Coordinates assignments to and maintains strong working relationships with a group of freelance writers and photographers and works collaboratively with the graphic designer and proofreader.
• Works collaboratively with the marketing team to grow audiences and reach for WWF content.
• Participates in strategy meetings with the marketing team, specifically around thought leadership and emerging issues coming from programs and leadership.
• Participates in weekly marketing team meetings to identify story ideas and maximize use of shared content.
• Attends monthly All Staff meetings and other in-office days to build relationships with colleagues as potential contributors to the newspaper.
• Seeks and participates in professional development opportunities to build essential skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we offer:

• A benefits program to include health, dental, vision, company provided life insurance, and a 403b plan with an employer match of up to 6% after a year of service.
• A generous paid time off policy.
• 12 paid holidays and 2 paid floating holidays.
• Island Institute membership benefits.
• Discount at Island Institutes Archipelago retail store.
• Hybrid work environment.

Base pay for this position is $58,400 with a range that depends on experience and skills related to position responsibilities and qualifications. Recognizing that no candidate will possess all the relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply if you align with many of the qualifications for and interests in this role.

While there is no deadline for submitting your application, the application period will close when the position is filled. Contact Susan Haversat at shaversat@islandinstitute.org if reasonable accommodation is required to complete the application.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is required to sit, enter data using computer keyboard and mouse, stand, walk, bend over occasionally, and move about the office space as well as between building floors. There is no requirement to lift and/or move weights of more than 15 pounds.
• The employee will be expected to travel on occasion by boat and ferry to various islands and remote coastal locations.
• There will be times when working long hours in the evenings and weekends will be required.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

Island Institute is a nonprofit organization, and an equal opportunity "at-will" employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities based upon an individual's ability and qualifications. We do not discriminate against people on the basis of race, citizenship, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability.

For more information about Island Institute and our work along the Maine coast, please visit

Job Tags

Similar Jobs