News Editor

Position Overview:

Sweet Tea Media is seeking a personable, experienced News Editor to lead the newsroom for the Seward County Independent and The Milford Times, part of the Seward County Newspaper Group. The News Editor will be responsible for planning, producing, and curating compelling local content across print and digital platforms. This role requires a balance of editorial judgment, leadership, and hands-on reporting and design skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee local news content for weekly print editions and digital platforms.
• Assign and edit stories, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and alignment with publication standards.
• Write articles and produce high quality photographs.
• Design and paginate pages using Adobe InDesign and other Creative Suite tools.
• Capture high-quality photography to accompany news coverage.
• Supervise, mentor, and collaborate with reporters, photographers, freelancers, and interns.
• Uphold editorial standards and ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Collaborate with other editors and departments to continually improve content, workflow, and reader engagement.
• Represent the publication in the community and build relationships with local stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Prior experience in a newsroom setting; leadership or editing experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Mac OS and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) is required.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Working knowledge of AP Style.
• Capable photographer with an eye for newsworthy visuals.
• Effective communicator and team leader with organizational skills.
• Familiarity with digital content management systems and social media best practices.

Benefits:

• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave)
• Health insurance
• Collaborative work environment in a community-focused company

About Sweet Tea Media:

Sweet Tea Media is a growing regional media company that owns and operates eight newspapers across Nebraska and Kansas, including:

• Seward County Independent
• The Milford Times
• The Crete News
• The Friend Sentinel
• The Wilber Republican
• Concordia Blade-Empire (KS)
• The Beloit Call (KS)
• The Courtland Journal (KS)

We are committed to producing quality, community-centered journalism that informs, connects, and inspires.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $48,000