Summary
Edits print, email, and online articles for content, style, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Does the research necessary to ensure technical accuracy of content. Chooses deadlines for his/her own articles according to the schedule for each publication and the needs of the art and production department. Works with author and training editor or coeditor to ensure consistency with our style guide, quality, and accuracy of articles; proofreads pages and online articles; and contributes to editorial planning. Works with productionist and art director as required to develop layout and art ideas for articles. As a Subject Matter Editor (SME) in training, does research and reading in his/her assigned technical area and interacts with readers and others on related forums, at conferences and events, through reader comments on articles, and elsewhere. Schedules and attends vendor briefings and becomes familiar with the market in the assigned SME area and with related products. Researches and writes Buyer's Guides, vendor briefs, new-product blurbs, and other pieces as required. Might also write Market Watch articles or articles for special issues of the magazine (e.g., Readers' Choice issue, salary survey issue). Compiles, edits, and mails one or more UPDATE email newsletters. Contributes to discussions and develops and presents ideas about how we can better meet the needs of readers online, in print, and in person; improve our processes; increase reader involvement; generate more revenue; and so on.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed below. Other duties may be assigned. 1. Develops and edits content for and promotes activity on and stickiness of our Web sites by, for example, participating in forum discussions, blogging, responding to reader comments on articles, and writing Industry Bytes.
2. Acquires, edits, and revises the content of articles as necessary to meet audience needs.
3. Manages own assignments and schedule to ensure deadlines are met.
4. Coordinates timely completion of all his/her articles with authors, technical editors, and coeditors.
5. Delivers to production grammatically correct articles that are clear, comprehensive, and technically accurate.
6. Uses the Web and other sources to verify facts and technical accuracy of articles he/she is editing or writing.
7. Proofs articles in pages and, when necessary, ensures that article fits within the space allotted and/or doesn't exceed maximum word count.
8. Assists in developing art and layout ideas as needed.
9. With the help of his/her supervisor, identifies and takes responsibility for a particular area of technology (i.e., SME area). Develops expertise in that area through research; editing articles on the topic; interacting with readers, authors, and tech editors; and meeting with vendors who have related products. Acquires articles related to that area of technology.
10. Participates in critical reviews of our publications and in planning and brainstorming discussions about editorial products.
11. Takes on special projects as requested.
12. When possible, attends conferences and events in his/her SME area.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Material and Equipment Directly Used
1. Computer
2. Telephone
3. Fax Machine
4. Copy Machine
5. Voicemail
6. Email
7. Internet
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or ExperienceBachelor’s degree (BA), preferably in English, journalism, or communications, from a four-year college or university. Computer- or IT-related background and/or publishing experience a plus.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Highly detail oriented.
2. Excellent time management skills.
3. Excellent organizational skills.
4. Highly team oriented.
5. Willingness to work interactively and professionally with all team members.
6. Must take responsibility yet remain flexible.
7. Ability to construct grammatically correct sentences, punctuate them properly, and assemble .them into clear paragraphs that develop a central idea in a way that the audience finds understandable, helpful, and appealing.
8. Ability to evaluate the structure and flow of a piece of content and reorganize and/or rewrite it to improve structure, flow, and clarity.
9. Welcomes and implements constructive criticism from all sources.
10. Conducts himself/herself in a way that reflects favorably on Penton Media and all its products.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries and complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to construct grammatically correct sentences, punctuate them properly, and assemble them into clear paragraphs and articles that develop a central idea in a way that the audience finds understandable, helpful, and appealing. Ability to write and rewrite interviews and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to evaluate the structure and flow of a piece of writing and reorganize and/or rewrite it to improve structure, flow, and clarity. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw correct conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Physical Demands
The physical demands 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 essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those essential functions. The work environment is usually quiet.