Digital Content Network Producer

Journal Interactive, the online division for Journal Communications a Milwaukee-based organization which provides oversight, support, services and strategy for the Journal online network of broadcast and newspaper publishing Web sites, seeks a motivated, experienced news professional for the position of digital content network director to take charge of content sharing strategies, user-generated content initiatives, and online editorial best practices across our network of sites. This is a senior leadership role within the interactive group charged with helping to implement our overall online editorial direction and audience growth strategies.


Responsibilities
As the Digital Content Network Director, you will be responsible for working closely with broadcast news directors, publishing editors, and online product managers/editors to expand our efforts in pushing news and interactive features to our diverse online properties and developmental niche sites.

This editor must understand how to drive a 24-hour news operation, report and develop visual stories and possess the ability and knowledge to compete with other news websites including other television, radio, and newspaper operated sites in Journal markets. This person must have an intrinsic understanding of the web, how online users consume news and information and how that behavior is changing. He or she must be deeply grounded in journalism, but must also understand the business and commercial needs of the web. He or she must be able to work across both news and business teams within the company. This person must be a strong leader with a track record of innovation and continuous improvement, and he or she must be able to manage smart, enthusiastic people and drive change. The ability to execute is an absolute priority.

This is a terrific opportunity for the right person. We are seeking someone with a vision for how to transform our websites from primarily a newspaper/TV/radio station online experience on the web to one that takes full advantage of the media and the connectivity that the web offers. This editor will work across our newsrooms to develop and share strategies for packaging print, audio and video content for online. This person will drive interactivity with readers and users at all levels. He or she will work with the JI core team of online editors and product managers, as well as advertising and sales, to develop content strategies and approaches needed to grow audience and advertising.

The successful applicant will be in a highly influential position to shape new content initiatives and user experiences across the JI network while working with Journal Interactive teams and senior managers and editors at our flagship newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and others Journal properties. These content initiatives go well beyond traditional stories and photo slideshows into new forms of storytelling and interactivity that keep users engaged on our sites.

Reporting: This position reports directly to the SVP/General Manager of Journal Interactive and will have several JI site editors reporting directly to him/her including the JSOnline Editor, CommunityNow Editor, and several key niche site product managers.


Requirements
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years experience in a competitive, deadline-driven media environment and is highly motivated, supremely organized and relentlessly detail-oriented editor. Strong project, technical and personnel management skills required; copy editing skills a plus. Prior online editorial experience is highly preferred.

Will possess a BA in Journalism, English, Communication or any related field. Ability influence and impact changes without necessarily having all resources reporting directly to you. Strong coordination and multi-tasking skills for multiple priorities while meeting deadlines. Strong editorial leader that can instill responsibility, ownership and accountability for new interactive initiatives and direction. Strong instructional slant-able to educate the organization on new media content best practices and effect strong editorial standards across the JI network of sites. Problem resolution and troubleshooting expertise. Strong organization, analytical and negotiating skills. 5-8 years people management experience. This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong people skills to educate and motivate. You will be working with people at all levels of the organization. Must be highly collaborative and comfortable working across company and across traditional media lines. 5-8 years of online editorial experience, extensive working knowledge of online content management systems and broadcast or publishing editorial workflows and technology. Proven project management experience with strong communication skills to direct internal teams, external vendors and to ensure outcomes consistent with audience development goals and objectives. Creative problem-solving and analytical decision-making abilities essential. Experience working in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, and be familiar with basic HTML; experience with Microsoft Page, Adobe Photo Shop, and other graphic programs are a plus. Excellent organization and communication skills, with an exceptional eye for detail. Excellent written, oral & proofreading skills. Great ear for editing: knows how to say more with fewer words. Self motivated, independent team player who strives for excellence. Ability to partner effectively within the team and cross-functionally. Excellent grammar and written style, with an ear for brand voice. Sensitivity to copy structure and consistency

3 plus years experience in Web production, management experience, strong knowledge of HTML, XHTML/CSS and related Web applications Familiarity with Flash, java script, AJAX, audio/video and emerging technologies a plus Strong news judgment, but for an online audience Understanding of Web usability, search engine optimization Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines

Job Type
Full Time