Copy Editor

About the Job: 

The Banner is hiring a copy editor to become our last line of defense against errors, lack of clarity, confusing language, lapses of style, grammar issues, and anything that would make us legally liable. The editor will ensure that coverage meets The Banner’s standards. The ideal candidate will be able to edit on tight deadlines, work with reporters and editors across a wide range of topics, and be familiar with the language, culture, and history of Baltimore and Maryland. This position will help maintain The Banner’s style guide and keep the newsroom current on best practices for reporting and writing about our coverage areas and topics. The position will also help guide the newsroom’s cultural competency efforts, so we cover all Baltimore-area communities with respect. The copy editor will have some flexibility to work remotely. Their schedule will depend on newsroom needs, though they’ll primarily work an evening shift.

We are a mission-driven organization focused on local news and improving the community. We expect all candidates to believe sincerely in that mission. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive newsroom with a positive culture.

What you'll do:

• Edit stories, often on deadline, to ensure they’re accurate, precise and meet The Baltimore Banner’s standards

• Ensure stories adhere to The Banner’s style and usage

• Aid in the development and maintenance of The Banner’s style guide

• Keep the newsroom current on AP and other style updates as well as best practices for reporting on and writing about the communities and subjects The Banner covers

• Ensure headlines are sharp and targeted to an online audience

• Represent The Banner in the community as needed — in person or in television or radio appearances

• Use and understand newsroom analytics to hone and identify the coverage that serves readers

What you'll bring:

• A minimum of 5 years of copy editing experience

• Comfort in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Fluency with AP Style and knowledge of journalism best practices

• Teamwork and a willingness to collaborate

• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to give and receive constructive feedback

• A willingness to work evenings, as well as some weekends as news dictates

• A commitment to upholding journalistic values and ethics 

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000 Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by several factors including experience, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. We constantly review all teammate pay to ensure a great compensation package that is fair and equal across the board.

Additional Information:

• Schedule: This position follows a hybrid evening work schedule beginning at 2:00 p.m. Some schedule flexibility may be needed based on news demands.

• Location: This role is based in Baltimore, MD.

Our amazing benefits include:

• Flexible Paid Time Off

• Retirement savings - 401K plan offered through Human Interest, with a company match

• Student Loan Debt Repayment Assistance for qualified employees

• Full health benefits - medical, dental, vision, prescription, FSA/HSA., and coverage for family/dependents

• Sick Leave eligible for rollover

• Commuter Benefits

• 11 Paid National Holidays

• Employee Assistance Program

• Generous Parental Leave

• Company paid access to a wellness platform to support mental, financial and physical wellbeing

Application Submission:

Please include a cover letter and résumé. In your cover letter, please highlight three different types of stories or data projects you have copy edited on along with a brief description of your role.

Our Core Values:

• Do what’s right. Honesty, morality, respect and the mission guide our actions and decisions. By doing the right thing, we inspire others to believe.

• Work together. We collaborate to create something special. Together we challenge assumptions, trust each other, take risks, and foster transparent and direct communication.

• Listen to be heard. Our stories are trustworthy. They are inspired by and created for our readers. Their story is our story. Communities are at the center of our journalism, and everything we do.

• Deliver impactful results. Acting as one accountable team and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we deliver bold and innovative results. We act fast, execute and learn. We celebrate great outcomes.

• Be inclusive. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and act by curating a culture that leverages diverse perspectives as the key to fulfilling our mission. The Banner is for all of us.

The Venetoulis Institute embraces diversity and inclusion, and we are wholeheartedly committed to being proactive in inspiring a culture of inclusion across our organization. We are dedicated to establishing an organization that reflects the fundamental respect for different ways of working and living, and we assure every employee the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation due to a disability to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected] to request accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to, adjustments in the application process, modifications or assistance regarding job interviews, and accommodations to enable access to our facilities. We appreciate the value that individuals with disabilities bring to our workforce and encourage applicants with disabilities to disclose their needs for accommodation to facilitate a smooth and inclusive recruitment experience.