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Game Informer Is Hiring A West Coast News Editor!

by Andrew Reiner on May 11, 2017 at 02:43 PM

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Game Informer family, we have a new position open. We are looking for a west coast news editor based in the San Francisco area to lead our news efforts for Game Informer's website. Before sending us your résumé, please be aware of a few things:

  • You must live in the San Francisco area or be prepared to move there.
  • You must include a cover letter and writing samples. Yes, that is "samples" plural. We prefer selections that relate to video games and demonstrate your proficiency in writing news. If you aren't already working for another website or magazine, please submit a plethora of writing samples.
  • You must have extensive video game knowledge.
  • Please note that this job is not simply sitting around playing video games. It's a high-pressure, deadline-intensive, creative environment that requires people skills, extraordinary writing talent, the ability to complete tasks, and a nose for stories.
  • We always receive an overwhelming amount of résumés, so this process takes time. Keep this in mind if you don’t hear back from us right away.

Working under general supervision, the west coast news editor's primary responsibility is to acquire, write, and distribute video game news, and represent Game Informer on the west coast for the creation of timely Game Informer content. The west coast news editor is also required to write reviews, previews, feature articles, and other various commentaries for other departments in the magazine, as well as attend and cover west coast-based video game events, such as trade shows and studio visits. The primary business outcome for this position is to provide readers with information about new and upcoming video games and industry related news. This position also requires constant travel and contact with industry PR professionals, publishing houses, and developers. The news editor interacts with his or her supervisor several times a week, perhaps daily, to receive guidance and feedback. Some non-routine activities may require a supervisor’s advance approval.



ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


  • Monitor video game news and industry developments on a daily basis.
  • Cover events on the west coast, such as trade shows, game demos, and studio visits
.
  • Attend video game earnings calls to extract relevant news.

  • Provide critical analysis of industry events.

  • Distribute news stories to editors.

  • Work with daily news leads to foster expedient and comprehensive coverage.

  • Proofread copy and online page layouts.

  • Maintain positive, professional relationships with industry professionals and experts.

  • Secure story materials from developers.

  • Fact check article content prior to publishing.

  • Meet daily and monthly magazine deadlines.

  • Brainstorm ideas with senior staff.

  • Use video-capture software to take screenshots and video of games.

  • Travel to publishers, developers, events, and conventions for news/relationships.



RELATED COMPETENCIES


  • Building Strategic Work Relationships - Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals. Build relationships with west coast-based video game companies.
  • Compelling Communication - Clearly and succinctly conveying information and ideas to individuals and groups; communicating in a focused and compelling way that captures and holds others’ attention.

  • Driving for Results - Setting high goals for personal and group accomplishment; using measurement methods to monitor progress toward goals; tenaciously working to meet or exceed goals while deriving satisfaction from that achievement and continuous improvement.

  • Quality Orientation - Accomplishing tasks by considering all areas involved, no matter how small; showing concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks; being watchful over a period of time.



BASIC AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE)


  • High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in English, Journalism, or related field preferred
.
  • At least two years of experience writing and editing material for a magazine, newspaper or another form of print journalism/media
.
  • Must be able to travel domestically.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of Windows-based business computers and Microsoft Office programs; specifically, Excel, Outlook, and Word, including Adobe Photoshop
.
  • Proficient knowledge of all facets of video games, platforms, and eras
.
  • Proficient ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken and written English
.
  • Proficient writing and proofreading skills
.
  • Ability to work under demanding time constraints and production goals, including the ability to meet short-term production deadlines
.
  • Proficient relationship building skills, including the capacity to predict and manage behavior, build and leverage cross-functional partnerships within and outside of the organization
.
  • Proficient aptitude for playing and evaluating video game software
.
  • Proficient project planning skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize and control job responsibilities in order to meet editorial deadlines in an environment with overlapping and potentially conflicting priorities
.
  • Ability to recognize discrepancies/errors in written/electronic data/information including the ability to initiate and respond to work errors in a professional manner, working collaboratively and cooperatively with others

  • Ability to work with production staff and provide general direction for graphical layouts.
  • Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing priorities with promptness, efficiency, and ease
.
  • Consistently demonstrates a commitment to Game Informer policies and procedures, including but not limited to, attendance, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and ethical responsibilities.

WORKING AT GAME INFORMER

The west coast news editor job is a remote position, allowing you to work from home. The job will require occasional travel to the Game Informer headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. This is a salaried position featuring competitive medical and dental coverage, as well as a 401K plan and other benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume, cover letter, and writing samples to reiner@gameinformer.com