Ke Alaka'i Managing Editor

Brigham Young University – Hawaii

18d•$67,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Managing Editor of Ke Alakaʻi provides editorial leadership for BYU–Hawaii’s student-run campus news outlet. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of the student newsroom, mentors and develops student journalists and creatives, and ensures Ke Alakaʻi produces timely, engaging, and student-centered content that reflects campus life. The Managing Editor works closely with Marketing and Communications while maintaining Ke Alakaʻi’s distinct identity as a by-students, for-students publication. This role functions as a storytelling and engagement platform that complements official university communications. This role ensures Ke Alakaʻi remains a vibrant, relevant, and student-centered platform while supporting BYU–Hawaii’s broader communications ecosystem. It strengthens internal engagement, develops student talent, and provides a living record of campus life.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field required.
3–5 years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, media production, or editorial leadership
Experience working in higher education, student media, or mission-driven organizations
Strong understanding of digital-first storytelling, including social and emerging media platforms
Experience with photojournalism and/or video production to support multimedia reporting
Working knowledge of content management systems and digital publishing workflows
Interest in teaching as an adjunct faculty member in the Faculty of Arts & Letters.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with demonstrated knowledge of AP style.
Ability to exercise sound editorial judgment and manage institutional messaging.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively under pressure.
Professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

Student Newsroom Leadership & Development Recruit, onboard, and supervise a high-performing team of student journalists, photographers, videographers, and designers.
Support and advise weekly editorial and pitch meetings led by the student editorial team.
Ensure production schedules and deadlines are met.
Mentor students in ethical journalism, reporting and interviewing, visual storytelling, and professional communication.
Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance guidance.
Foster a creative, inclusive, and accountable newsroom culture.
Editorial Oversight & Content Strategy Package and adapt stories for social and digital platforms.
Identify content suitable for collaboration with BYUH’s primary social media channels.
Train students to approach storytelling with a digital-first mindset, including video, visuals, and short-form content.
Oversee digital publishing workflows and Ke Alakaʻi’s online presence.
Ensure campus news content is accessible, engaging, and mobile-friendly.
Digital-First & Social Media Integration Package stories for social media.
Identify content appropriate for collaboration with the main BYUH social channels.
Train students to think digital-first in storytelling (video, visuals, short-form content).
Oversee Ke Alakaʻi’s digital presence and publishing workflow.
Help ensure campus news content is accessible, engaging, and mobile-friendly.
Magazine Oversight Plan and oversee the production of one printed magazine per semester.
Develop themes that reflect campus life and student experience.
Ensure strong visual storytelling and broad student representation.
Coordinate photography, writing, design, and production timelines.
Position the magazine as a collectible, yearbook-adjacent artifact for students.
Collaboration with Marketing & Communications Participate in regular coordination meetings with Marketing & Communications.
Stay informed on upcoming events, initiatives, and announcements.
Translate key campus initiatives into student-centered stories where appropriate.
Editorial Standards & Risk Awareness Uphold university values and editorial guidelines.
Establish clear guardrails for student journalism.
Escalate sensitive content appropriately.
Ensure content reflects professionalism while allowing creative freedom.