What are the responsibilities and job description for the The Northern Light Layout Editor position at The Northern Light?
Company Description
The Northern Light is the student-run newspaper of the University of Alaska Anchorage, focusing on issues that impact the campus community and the wider Anchorage area. It provides balanced coverage that represents students, staff, faculty, and local residents. The publication serves as a key source of news, information, and entertainment for the university community. It also offers a platform for discourse, encouraging thoughtful discussion and diverse viewpoints. Team members contribute to a collaborative environment dedicated to high-quality, ethical journalism.
Role Description
The Northern Light Student Layout Editor is a part-time, hybrid role based in Anchorage, AK. This position is responsible for designing and assembling pages for print and digital editions, ensuring visual consistency and readability across the publication. Day-to-day tasks include creating layout templates, managing pagination, placing articles, photos, and graphics, and reviewing pages for accuracy and alignment with editorial standards. The Layout Editor collaborates closely with editors, writers and photographers to meet production deadlines and maintain the publication’s style and branding. The role may also involve maintaining the paper's online presence by updating The Northern Light website and social media, troubleshooting layout issues and preparing files for final publication.
This position is open to undergraduate students only.
Qualifications
An applicant MUST: a. Be enrolled in the University of Alaska system with a minimum of six credit hours in the current semester of employment; or b. Have been enrolled the preceding semester for six or more credit hours and demonstrate plans to enroll for six or more credit hours in the next semester for employment between semesters.
- Strong layout design skills, including experience with page layout and visual composition.
- Proficiency in pagination and managing multi-page publications from draft to final output.
- Ability to support editorial needs, including basic writing and familiarity with publication workflows.
- Experience with desktop publishing or design software (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or similar tools).
- Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a newsroom environment.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with editors, writers, and other staff.
- Prior experience in newspaper, magazine, or student media production is preferred.
- Relevant coursework or degree in journalism, communications, graphic design, or a related field is beneficial.