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Open Positions:

-Brainstorm and pitch story ideas
-Write balanced, informative and compelling articles in Associated Press style
-Conduct effective interviews
-Respond to edits and feedback on articles
-Attend weekly staff meetings
-Attend occasional training sessions

Managing Editor (Spring semester): Apply

The managing editor is second to the editor-in-chief and assists them wherever needed.
There is substantial overlap in the work of the managing editor and the editor-in-chief; however,
there are key differences to the job. The EIC is in charge of the overall operations, while the
managing editor handles the day-to-day needs of the newspaper.

They oversee general editors, making sure they understand what they need to accomplish
for the coming issue and ahead. The managing editor also works with editors to improve their
work and motivates them to expand their projects for Chimes. Although not the chief ambassador
of Chimes to the community, they are still a representative of the paper and must act accordingly.
The managing editor has the right to make final editorial decisions.

Specific Responsibilities

– Attending weekly meetings organized by the editor-in-chief
– Making sure that the order of communication and command holds
– Mentoring staff to improve writing and journalistic skills
– Attending and participating in Student Publications Committee meetings
– Motivating and encouraging staff
– Reporting and editing sensitive and high profile stories
– Recruiting staff

Chimes depends on student writers, editors, and photographers to keep its pages in print all school-year-round. Our newsroom runs on a mix of volunteers and paid staff from a variety of departments and every grade level. Anyone with a drive to work hard, an interest in journalism, and a few extra hours a week can be a part of Chimes.

“How do I get involved?”

We’re glad you asked. Write a story, take pictures of an event, or send us an idea. If you have questions or want to officially become part of the staff, come talk to us. We are in the Chimes office (located in the commons annex basement) nearly every Saturday morning starting at 9:30. If you drop by when we’re not there, feel free to leave a note. Otherwise, email us at [email protected] or message us on Facebook and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Volunteer Positions

Any student can volunteer for Chimes at any time. Volunteering is a great way to gauge your interest in journalism and try it out without having to make a long-term commitment. In fact, nearly all of our staff members started off as volunteers.

Writers

The majority of our volunteers are writers. Volunteer writers can write however often they would like to, whether that be twice a week or once a semester, for any of our eight sections that interest them. Writers can expect to spend anywhere from 2-5 hours on one story, depending on the level of detail required and their interest in that subject. Bylines for volunteer writers will list them as a “Guest Writer” for their first three stories, after which they will be a “Staff Writer”.

Photographers

Our volunteer photographers typically shoot between once a month and once every two months, depending on their schedule. Assignments can range from shooting a volleyball game to simple stock photos of students reading in the library. You must have your own camera, be it a a DSLR or your smart phone, or at least have access to one. Interested photographers can contact our managing editor with questions or to get their name on our contact list. If you sign up, we will contact you when an event comes up that you can shoot. You are also welcome to shoot events, stock photos, etc. at your own discretion and send us the results.

Copy Editors

Every article we write has to go through three rounds of edits before it can be published. Copy Editors can work remotely or with us in the office. The majority of editing is done on Wednesdays, though some articles come in on Tuesdays. Copy Editors edit for grammar, content, and AP style (which we can teach you) using Google Docs editing software (which we can also teach you). Volunteer copy editors can work whenever they are available, though we prefer a regular weekly or commitment of at least 2-3 hours.

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Paid Positions

Contrary to popular belief, many staff positions at Chimes are compensated. These include the two head editors, section editors, one advertising manager, and at least six on-call writers and photographers. All paid positions are hired through an application process, but considerable preference is given to those who already have volunteer experience with Chimes.

Head editors, section editors, and the advertising manager for the next year are hired at the end of the spring semester, but on-call writers and photographers are hired on a rolling first-come, first-serve basis.  But, we’re students: people graduate, people go abroad, and sometimes openings come up mid- or second semester. If you are interested in applying for a paid position, please inquire to learn if any are currently available.

For more information on job requirements and application processes, see the job descriptions below (note: Head editors are hired from existing section editors).