The Osage Oracle: Job Description — News Editor/Writer
Location: Osage, Iowa (Mitchell County)
Position: News Editor/Writer (Newspaper Experience Required)
Job Summary
The Osage Oracle is seeking a News Editor/Writer to lead our editorial coverage while serving as the primary reporter for Mitchell County. This position is ideal for a passionate community journalist who is confident running the newsroom, setting weekly coverage priorities, and producing accurate, engaging reporting that reflects the people and issues of Osage and the surrounding communities.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership
- Oversee all editorial content for accuracy, clarity, fairness, and AP Style.
- Plan weekly story assignments and set the news agenda for the paper.
- Ensure deadlines are met every week without exception.
Reporting & Writing
- Produce the majority of weekly news coverage including government, schools, sports, community events, business, and feature stories.
- Attend and cover meetings for the City of Osage, Mitchell County Board of Supervisors, and local school boards.
- Conduct interviews and research that bring important local stories to life for readers.
Editing & Production
- Edit all staff and contributor content, including your own work.
- Write headlines, cutlines, and review pages before publication.
- Work closely with production staff on layout and photo placement to deliver a clean, sharp weekly paper.
Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with local officials, businesses, schools, and community organizations.
- Represent The Osage Oracle professionally at public events to maintain trust with our readers.
- Support the role of the newspaper as a visible, reliable voice of Mitchell County.
Qualifications
- Prior newspaper experience required.
- Strong reporting, writing, and editing skills with AP Style proficiency.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to fairness and accuracy.
- Ability to balance multiple assignments and weekly deadlines.
- Willingness to cover a wide range of topics including government, sports, and features.
- Basic photography skills preferred.
- Familiarity with community journalism valued.
Why Join Us
The Osage Oracle is a revitalized weekly newspaper serving a vibrant community and loyal readership. As News Editor/Writer, you will have the opportunity to lead coverage, preserve local storytelling, and help grow the future of community journalism in Mitchell County.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Freelance
Pay: $13.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
