What are the responsibilities and job description for the Yearbook Advisor-High School-Anticipated position at Fort Madison Community School District?
Yearbook Sponsor-High School
Anticipated 26-27
Job Summary
The Yearbook Adviser leads the creation, production, and distribution of the school yearbook using Online Design software. The adviser guides student staff in journalistic practices, design principles, photography, copywriting, editing, and project management to produce an accurate, inclusive, and high-quality yearbook that reflects the school community.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all phases of yearbook production using Online Design software, including template setup, layout, image management, and final file preparation for print.
- Recruit, train, and supervise student yearbook staff; assign roles (editors, photographers, designers, copy editors, sales/marketing).
- Teach and model journalistic ethics, newswriting, feature writing, caption writing, interviewing, and editorial decision making.
- Provide instruction in photography and digital design principles: typography, composition, color, photo editing, and visual storytelling within the Online Design platform.
- Establish production timelines and workflow in the Online Design tool; monitor student progress and ensure on?time delivery.
- Coordinate photography coverage for events, clubs, sports, and candid student life; manage photo uploads and permissions within the platform.
- Review and edit student copy and page layouts for accuracy, grammar, libel risk, and school policy compliance.
- Manage budgeting, establish pricing, set up online marketing via emails and/or social media, coordinate photo file imports from the school's portrait company to Online Design.
- Organize fundraising events, mainly an ad sales campaign within the community.
- Communicate regularly with administrators, parents, and student groups about deadlines, sales, and content policies.
- Maintain records of permissions and contracts with the vendor; ensure appropriate use of copyrighted materials.
- Facilitate student learning goals, portfolios, and opportunities for publication and leadership growth.
- Enforce school policies regarding appropriate content, student privacy, and equal representation of student groups.
- Reports to the Activities Director and Building Administration
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education, English, Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design, or related field, OR equivalent experience working with student publications.
- Demonstrated experience using web-based or cloud Online Design software for multi-page publication layout (e.g., experience with any mainstream online yearbook/design platform).
- Strong organizational, communication, and supervisory skills.
- Ability to work after school hours and meet production deadlines.
- Commitment to student mentorship, equity, and inclusive representation in school media.
Preferred
- Prior experience advising student publications or yearbook staffs
- Proficiency with photography, photo editing tools, and copyright/permission practices.
- Familiarity with school printing processes and file export requirements for printers.
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of journalistic standards, libel law basics, and ethics.
- Teaching ability to scaffold writing, editing, and design skills for diverse learners.
- Project management: calendar creation, milestone tracking, and delegation.
- Digital literacy: managing digital assets, online collaboration, and troubleshooting within Online Design tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills for working with students, staff, parents, and vendors.
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing polished, professional publications.
Working Conditions
- School campus environment during instructional hours and frequent after school meetings and production sessions.
- Occasional weekend or evening coverage for events and deadlines.
- Access to school computers and an Online Design account; ability to work remotely when needed.
Salary: Per Schedule
Physical Requirements: Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking.
The Fort Madison Community School District is an EEO/AA employer
Fort Madison Community School District requires background check to be completed before hiring.