Copy Desk Manager, Cox First Media

Company

Cox Enterprises

Job Family Group

Editorial & Newsroom

Job Profile

Manager, Publishing Operations

Management Level

Manager - People Leader

Flexible Work Option

Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

Travel %

No

Work Shift

Day

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary of $72,200.00 - $108,200.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Job Description

Cox First Media, the parent company of the Dayton Daily News, Journal-News, and Springfield News-Sun, is a media organization with print and digital products that is looking for a Copy Desk Manager to join our team.

In this critical role, you will oversee the quality and accuracy of our content and how it appears in digital and print products, ensuring it aligns with our brand’s voice and editorial standards. You will collaborate closely with writers, editors, and other stakeholders to deliver compelling narratives that engage our audience and drive impactful storytelling.

In addition, you will be responsible for establishing and reinforcing processes and guidelines to ensure quality and efficiency, and will be the main person responsible for managing copy desk-related vendor relationships. Overall, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who has strong skills in process and project management and logistics.

Responsibilities

· Lead the copy desk team in editing, proofreading, and fact-checking digital and print content to ensure high editorial quality and adherence to style guidelines. (30%)

· Develop and implement editorial policies and procedures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the content production process. (20%)

· Provide mentorship and guidance to copy desk staff, junior editors and writers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. (15%)

· Collaborate with various departments, including marketing and design, to create cohesive content strategies that align with overall business objectives. (10%)

· Manage external vendors, ensuring that partnership and contract expectations are being met, and any issues are resolved in a timely manner. (10%)

· Monitor industry trends and audience feedback to inform content strategy and editorial direction. (5%)

· Manage editorial calendars and workflows, ensuring timely publication of content across all platforms. (10%)

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

· 6+ years of editorial experience, with a proven track record in copyediting and content management. Could also have a Masters and 4 years of experience or 10 years with no Bachelors.

· 1 year of management or leadership type experience required.

· Strong understanding of journalistic standards, style guides, and digital content best practices.

· Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Preferred:

· Experience in a leadership role within an editorial team.

· Experience in managing large projects and initiatives.

· Familiarity with SEO best practices and digital content distribution strategies.

· Background in multimedia storytelling, including video and social media.

· College degree in journalism, English, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies:

· Proficiency with content management systems (CMS) and editorial workflow tools.

· Strong command of grammar, punctuation, and AP style.

· Experience with analytics tools to assess content performance and audience engagement.

Benefits

The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

About Us

As our primary divisions Cox Automotive and Cox Communications drive new waves of innovation, Cox Enterprises is entering spaces like cleantech, healthcare, esports and more. We're a family business guided by a legacy of bold innovation that’s driven by those who want to make their mark. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.