Planning/Assignments Editor

Planning/Assignments Editor

Westview Publishing/The Ledger Newspapers is looking for a full-time planning/assignments editor based in its Nashville office.

The Ledger newspapers – Nashville/Middle Tennessee, Knoxville/East Tennessee and Chattanooga/Hamilton County – are general-interest publications with a business and business-adjacent focus, along with an emphasis on compelling human-interest features and profiles.

We’re looking for a multitool of an editor: someone who not only generates strong story ideas but can articulate those ideas to contributors, shape assignments and manage stories through to completion. We are print-first publications, but digital media skills and an interest in expanding our digital offerings are valuable.

The position is expected to be approximately 40% in-office and 60% remote, with adjustments as needed.

Duties include:

● Managing freelance contributors, including writers and photographers, from assignment through completion.

● Generating and editing copy for standing sections, including News Briefs, Calendar and Newsmakers.

● Identifying and recruiting new contributors to expand our freelance roster and areas of expertise.

● Generating, developing and shaping story ideas, from quick-turn news coverage to long-form cover features.

● Helping maintain a forward-looking pipeline of story ideas and assignments across all three markets.

● Line and copy editing in accordance with AP style and Ledger standards.

● Proofing galley copies of individual editions.

● Writing and editing headlines, subheads, cutlines and other display copy as needed.

● Assisting with digital products, including websites and social platforms, as needed.

Necessary skills:

● Strong news and editorial judgment.

● Excellent copy editing and writing skills.

● Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

● Creative story development across a range of formats, from long-form features to quick-hit briefs.

● Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Helpful skills and experience:

● Broad personal interests and curiosity about business, communities and people.

● Familiarity with the regions and communities we cover.

● Interest in or knowledge of regional sports.

● Familiarity with production tools such as Adobe InDesign, InCopy and Photoshop or equivalents.

● Familiarity with file-management and collaboration platforms such as Dropbox and Google Workspace.

● Experience creating content for social media and other digital platforms.

● Familiarity with public-facing AI tools and their appropriate use in an editorial environment.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications or other related fields/equivalent experience required; graduate level degrees appreciated, but not a requirement.