After 43 years, Viewpoint Managing and Production Editor Carol Blackman is stepping down. While hers are hard shoes to fill, the SCNA Board is optimistic that someone in our community is willing to help carry on the fine tradition of Viewpoint. Along with Blackman, we are also losing primary Editor Dennis Cusick, who has served the last five years. Blackman’s position is paid, while Cusick is a volunteer.
Viewpoint managing/ production editor oversees the monthly production of Viewpoint, including: work with volunteer writers to make story assignments; creating a story board for editorial layout and ad placement; page design and copy fitting; copy editing; interface with advertisers; overseeing final proofing; and pre-press and upload to printer.
Professional graphics and computer design experience are essential (fluency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat), preferably with journalistic emphasis. Hours and compensation to be determined.
Viewpoint’s primary editor is historically a current or retired professional journalist who serves on a volunteer basis. The editor also works with the volunteer writers to generate story ideas, edit all content and oversees monthly layout of the newspaper. He or she proofs all stories for the month to determine accuracy, tone and objective writing content to conform with AP and Viewpoint style and principles.
In both cases, preference will be given to Curtis Park residents who will be expected to have a knowledge of neighborhood issues and, in some cases, citywide issues as they relate to Curtis Park. Both editors work closely with a staff of volunteer writers and SCNA Board members participating on the planning of each issue.
Viewpoint is a hard copy publication of the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association with a long tradition of balanced journalism and enthusiasm for Curtis Park events, people and issues. The neighborhood
newspaper is produced 10 months of the year (January and August excluded) and delivered by an extensive volunteer team to the doorsteps of 2,500 households each month. It is also uploaded electronically on the Siera2.org website.
If interested in learning more, contact SCNA Executive Director Terri Shettle at terri@sierra2.org or SCNA President Bill Hoover at bhooverjr@gmail.com.