BIOLA UNIVERSITY JOB DESCRIPTION

Student Media Board

The Chimes

Title of position: Chimes opinions editor

Basic function and responsibility:

The opinions editor is responsible for the solicitation and approval of opinions articles submitted
by guest writers. This person ensures that enough articles and writers are available to keep the
website updated and fill space in print. In addition, the opinions editor supervises regular writers.
The opinions editor edits opinions articles for content, grammar, spelling, etc. The opinions
editor is very in tune with any articles or incidents that might incite or aggravate conflict, and
deals with that appropriately. The ideal candidate is in tune with the diversity of the campus as
well as campus chatter and rumor-mill. The ideal candidate is able to be firm with headstrong
writers. Must be able to recruit, coach and encourage strong writers. The ideal candidate is also
familiar with SEO and basic web programs.

Duties:

1. Secure articles and guest writers for daily web articles on the web and for the opinions
section. Ensure that enough articles are available to keep web fresh and print space full.

2. Be the faculty/staff liaison for Corey’s Corner monthly feature from president Corey and
other faculty contributors. Find faculty contributors, and play to their strengths and areas
of expertise.

3. Set a broad and bold vision for opinions that makes readers think deeply about world and
campus events. Facilitate conversation and dialog where appropriate.

4. Upload some stories to the web, formatting appropriately.

5. Ensure that writers conform to convergent requirements. Ensure that all writers attend
any mandatory training and are familiar with Google Docs.

6. Ensure that current Biola-related stories are covered consistently.

7. Communicate with design editors to make sure compelling visual elements supplement
stories. Coordinate with design editor for sidebars and charts to supplement stories.

8. Delegate and advise a writing staff that includes columnists, cartoonists and humor
writers.

9. Field inquiries about Chimes opinions stories and solicit/process letters to the editor.

Revised 3/15/11
 10. Write opinions-related stories in a professional manner and ensure relevant Chimes
editorials are written weekly from the paper’s point of view.

11. Edit all opinions-related stories for content, grammar, spelling, facts, etc. before sharing
them with the copy editing and web staff.

12. Meet all writing deadlines and ensure that the opinions writing staff does the same.

13. Work with web staff to develop web-exclusive content, including (but not limited to)
polls, video Campus Talk and blogs.

14. Attend weekly budget meetings.

15. Help train and hire an apprentice for the spring semester. The apprentice should work
five hours or more a week under the supervision of the opinions editor.

Supervision received: Editor-in-chief, managing production editor, managing web editor

Supervision of others: Opinions freelance writers

Qualifications:
General: Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead a writing staff. Able to
delegate assignments. Demonstrate a working knowledge and familiarity with AP style.
Strong editing, grammar and writing skills. Ability to supervise and provide constructive
criticism in a helpful and appropriate manner. Flexible attitude. Demonstrate working
knowledge of computer programs such as Google Docs and Excel. Display an awareness of
world and campus news climate.
Education and experiences: At the time of appointment, have a cumulative grade point
average of 3.25 on a scale of 4.00, have completed at least one semester at Biola University
with a full-time student status and currently be enrolled as a full-time student. During the
term of service, maintain the previously mentioned grade point average on a semester basis
and maintain a full-time student status. Prior experience in journalism is preferred.

Hours worked: 7 hours, 9 months

Revised 3/15/11