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Copy Desk Editor Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Tribune and Times

Be Seen First

Sports Reporter

Harrisonville, MO · On-site

$38K - $44K/yr

Learn the editor's desk from day one. You'll collaborate on coverage strategy, edit copy, and prepare to transition into a Sports Editor / Management role as you grow with us. What We're Looking For

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Copy Desk Editor information

What is a copy desk editor?

Copy Desk Editors are professionals in the publishing and journalism industries who review, edit, and fact-check written material before publication. They ensure that articles are clear, accurate, and adhere to a publication’s style guide. Their responsibilities often include correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as verifying facts and maintaining consistency across content. Copy Desk Editors work closely with writers and other editors to polish content and uphold editorial standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a copy desk editor?

To thrive as a Copy Desk Editor, you need strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, along with a solid understanding of style guides and a degree in journalism, English, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), editing software like Adobe InCopy, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help copy desk editors excel in fast-paced newsrooms. These skills are crucial for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clarity in published content while meeting tight deadlines.

What are some typical challenges copy desk editors face when working on tight deadlines?

Copy Desk Editors often work under tight deadlines, especially when editing content for daily or weekly publications. A common challenge is balancing speed with accuracy—ensuring that articles are free from grammatical, factual, and stylistic errors while still meeting publishing schedules. Editors also need to coordinate closely with writers, fact-checkers, and layout designers, which requires strong communication skills and flexibility. Staying updated with evolving editorial standards and quickly adapting to last-minute changes are key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Copy Desk Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectCopy Desk EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldUsually requires similar degrees or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentWorks in newsrooms, publishing houses, or media organizations, often on a teamWorks in publishing, media, or freelance settings, focusing on editing content
ResponsibilitiesOversees editorial standards, fact-checks, and ensures consistency across contentFocuses on correcting grammar, style, and clarity in individual pieces

The Copy Desk Editor typically has a broader role in managing editorial standards and overseeing content quality in a newsroom or publishing environment. The Copy Editor mainly concentrates on editing individual articles or documents for grammar, style, and clarity. While both roles require strong editing skills and similar credentials, the Copy Desk Editor's responsibilities are more comprehensive and supervisory.

Are copy desk editors still in demand?

Copy desk editors remain in demand in publishing, media, and digital content organizations, especially as quality control and editing skills are essential for producing accurate, polished content. While automation tools assist with some editing tasks, human editors are still valued for their judgment, fact-checking, and style consistency, particularly in reputable outlets and specialized publications.

How much money do copy desk editors make?

Copy desk editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the publication. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of editing tasks, the level of seniority, and whether they work full-time or freelance.

Is a copy desk editor a good career?

A copy desk editor is a professional responsible for reviewing and editing content for accuracy, clarity, and style, often working in publishing, journalism, or media organizations. The role requires strong editing skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with editing tools like style guides and content management systems. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in media and publishing industries.

What qualifications do I need to be a copy desk editor?

A copy desk editor typically needs a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong editing, proofreading, and writing skills are essential, along with proficiency in editing software and familiarity with style guides like AP or Chicago Manual of Style.

What are popular job titles related to Copy Desk Editor jobs in Missouri?

For Copy Desk Editor jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Copy Desk Editor jobs in Missouri look for?

The top searched job categories for Copy Desk Editor jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Copy Desk Editor jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Copy Desk Editor job openings:

Copy Desk Editor jobs near you

Sports Reporter

Tribune and Times

Harrisonville, MO • On-site

$38K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Who We Are (And Why You’ll Love Working Here)

Forget the rigid corporate newsrooms where you’re just a cog in a machine. We build news teams that operate like a family you’d actually choose to hang out with. We respect your autonomy, support your creative drive, and actively invest in your career growth.

If you live and breathe local high school athletics, love breaking news digitally, and want a clear, mentored runway into an Editor/Management role, this is your dream beat.


The Beat: What Makes This Role Exciting

You will be the voice of high school sports across our region. You won’t just report scores—you’ll tell the deep, human stories behind the athletes, coaches, rivalry games, and championship runs.

From Friday night lights to Monday print deadlines, you’ll have total creative ownership of your beat. You’ll deliver real-time digital buzz when news breaks, then craft rich, compelling weekly sports sections for our print readers.


What We Offer

  • Leadership Growth: A structured path to move into a Sports Editor/Management position.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Time to recharge and keep your creative tank full.
  • Workplace Culture: A warm, flexible, supportive team atmosphere that values trust and work-life harmony over micro-management.
  • Creative Freedom: The ability to pitch story ideas, launch sports features, and run your beat your way.


What You’ll Be Doing

  • Own the Prep Sports Scene: Deliver comprehensive, unbiased coverage of local high school teams, tournament runs, recruiting news, and community sports.
  • Master Multi-Platform Storytelling:
    • Digital First: Drop breaking scores, game updates, and digital coverage as action happens.
    • Print Excellence: File weekly print stories and organize layout/pagination every Monday.
  • Design & Paginate: Bring your stories to life visually by laying out sports pages and utilizing clean graphic design principles.
  • Community Connection: Build genuine relationships with coaches, athletic directors, players, and local sports leaders.
  • Step Into Leadership: Learn the editor's desk from day one. You’ll collaborate on coverage strategy, edit copy, and prepare to transition into a Sports Editor / Management role as you grow with us.


What We’re Looking For

  • Experience: Minimum 2 years of professional reporting experience (sports beat preferred).
  • Education: Degree in Journalism, Communications, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency with page design/pagination software (InDesign) and basic graphic design principles.
    • Strong copy-editing, proofreading, and AP Style accuracy.
    • Familiarity with social media management and digital news posting.
    • Video filming and lightweight editing skills are a strong plus!
  • Journalistic Integrity: Absolute commitment to objective, non-biased reporting and high ethical standards.
  • Flexibility: Game schedules vary, so flexibility with evenings and weekend game coverage is required.


Ready to Lead Our Sports Coverage?

If you have a passion for high school sports, a sharp eye for page layout, and the ambition to lead a newsroom, we want to meet you!


Company Description

The Tribune and Times is a 10-year-old company working to serve and inform our communities in Cass and Bates Counties. We are locally owned and operated with a mission of contributing to the community, not seeing how much money we can make for some out-of-town owners. This is a professional organization with experienced staff working with a passion for our product and people.