Vidette Editor-in-chief

Title: Vidette Editor-in-chief
Employee Classification:
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Vidette

The student editor will be responsible for the formulation of editorial policy and all news-editorial aspects of the newspaper, including content, coverage, editing and the presentation of news and editorial matter. The student editor will have the final decision on whether a news story, photograph, editorial, column or advertisement is published and will bear responsibility for such decisions. The student editor will be concerned primarily with overall staff direction in the areas of news, opinion, photography, features, sports and editing. The student editor will also manage the web team, web content and design of videtteonline.com, as well as The Vidette's social media accounts, newsletter and mobile application. The editor will be responsible for the selection of the news-editorial staff and will have the authority to organize it to fit the needs of the news organization in consultation with the editorial advisor and in accordance with university human resource policies. The editor will act as liaison with the public and other outside sources on news and editorial content. The student editor will be an ex-officio member of The Vidette Publication Board. The position requires approximately 12 hours per week. The term begins May 16, 2025.

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University's 403(b) Plan. More information can be found here.

$16.50/hour

A candidate must:
1. Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 undergraduate credit hours or 5 graduate credit hours during the upcoming Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters and be in good academic and disciplinary standing within Illinois State University.
2. Have demonstrated proficiency in news reporting, editing, web content management and other phases of the daily operation of the campus news organization and its digital platforms, including a basic understanding of and the ability to manage all aspects of the process.

The student editor will work approximately 30-35 hours a month.

Must be able to complete the following with or without reasonable accommodations:
1. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

May 16, 2025

Resume & Cover Letter

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

The Vidette advisor, Director of the School of Communication and the Executive Director of WGLT will interview candidates for the student editor position during a meeting on Wednesday, March 19. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified of tentative interview times. The interviews will occur between 1:30p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on that date. If you need an excused absence for a class, please let the Vidette advisor, Kevin Capie, know as soon as possible.

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.