Story Desk Editor Job at Nexstar Broadcasting in Grand Rapids

Story Desk Editor

WZZM-TV Grand, the TEGNA-owned ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, is searching for an ambitious Story Desk Editor to embrace our transition to the newsroom of the future. This hybrid role combines the skills of an assignment editor and a digital content producer to serve as the hub of the newsroom. The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and broadcast platforms.
As a Story Desk Editor, you will be part of the Story Management Desk (SMD), a unified desk that replaces the legacy assignment and digital desks. The SMD model ensures a single, streamlined workflow for planning, producing and curating stories across platforms. You will lead coverage during breaking news, shape daily story planning, and curate content across platforms. This position requires decisive editorial judgment, strong writing skills, and the ability to thrive under tight deadlines. You will collaborate with MSJs, producers and photojournalists to deliver accurate, relevant and engaging stories that serve the community.
Responsibilities:
Lead and communicate newsroom coverage during breaking news, ensuring accuracy, urgency and balance
Identify and plan stories that matter most to the community, using editorial judgment and social listening
Create and edit engaging content for digital platforms: website, mobile app and streaming
Guide newsroom logistics and provide editorial support for MSJs, producers, and photojournalists
Edit reporter content for accuracy, grammar, AP style, digital best practices, fairness and ethical considerations
Enhance storytelling with creative elements (graphics, video, audience-submitted content, etc.)
Use available metrics to inform coverage and improve audience reach
Support newsroom operations and coverage planning as needed
Uphold TEGNA's journalistic standards and values across all platforms
Requirements:
BA/BS in journalism, communications and/or equivalent experience in the field
1-3 years of experience writing breaking news articles or writing news articles in AP style
Strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to work under constant time pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to calmly handle live, breaking news situations and rapidly changing coverage
Strong news and editorial judgment, and an understanding of the tenets of professional journalism
Strong knowledge of AP style, copy editing and SEO best practices
Experience with CMS, photo and video-editing systems preferred
The ability to write in an exciting, captivating and conversational tone is preferred
Experience creating and managing content on social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
An aptitude for creating and packaging engaging, audience-driven content
Knowledge of how to interpret and use digital analytics is a plus
Knowledge of Canva is a plus