Quality Control/Copy Editor, AJC - Military Veterans

Are you a careful, detail-oriented editor with a passion for accurate and clear copy? Do you thrive in the rapid pace of a busy newsroom and take pride in serving readers in your community with journalism of the highest standards?   

Join our team at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a member of our Quality Control Team, which serves as the final line editorial control for the incredible work of the largest local news organization in Georgia.  The team combines the strengths of a traditional newspaper copy desk with modern digital sensibilities and skills. 

We are looking for dedicated and detail-oriented Quality Control/Copy Editors to uphold our newsroom’s high standards across both digital and print platforms. This role is instrumental in ensuring all content meets the quality, clarity and consistency expected by our readers. With a strong command of editorial standards, optimizing digital news content for audiences and a deep understanding of AJC and AP styles, the Quality Control Editor will work collaboratively with content creators to elevate the accuracy, readability and relevance of our stories. 

The AJC’s mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news and information for the people of Atlanta, of Georgia and the South. To achieve that mission, we are transforming ourselves from a storied daily newspaper into a modern media company. The AJC believes that when you cover the South, you uncover the nation. It’s a belief that’s produced award-winning journalism, elevated our community, and captured the substance and soul of our hometown for more than 150 years. 

The Quality Control team operates 365 days a year and editors are often required to work weekend or non-typical shifts to meet the deadline newsroom needs of a digital operation. 

Responsibilities: 

- Ensure all AJC content consistently adheres to AJC and AP style, upholding high standards of fairness, accuracy, balance and clarity. 

- Review copy for spelling, grammar, clarity and libel. Make any corrections or revisions as needed and escalate potential ethical/legal issues to appropriate leadership. 

- Untangle complex sentences, ensuring each piece provides a smooth and engaging experience tailored to our audience. 

- Work closely with content creators and line editors, addressing issues of tone, fairness, taste, etc. 

- Write and refine compelling headlines for AJC.com, ensuring key points are highlighted for reader engagement.  

- Review photo captions, providing additional context and avoiding repetitive or outdated information. 

- Review content for final publication on AJC.com and in print, checking for any issues with format, balance or appropriateness that might affect user experience. 

- Document and report recurring content issues to management, aiding in feedback loops to improve newsroom quality. 

- Balance accuracy and speed, handling the most urgent tasks without compromising editorial standards and preparing advance copy when possible, to support daily workflow. 

Qualifications: 

Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 2 years’ experience in a related field. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and up to 2 years’ experience; or without a degree 6 years’ experience in a related field.

*Candidates with more experience and qualifications may be considered for a more senior role with a higher salary grade.  

- Strong experience in copy editing, digital content production or a related field.  

- Familiarity with AP style, as well as a solid understanding of SEO and digital optimization best practices 

- Exceptional attention to detail, with a focus on factual accuracy, tone and balance. 

- Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities effectively. 

- Proficiency with content management systems (CMS) and a solid understanding of audience engagement principles. 

This position is perfect for a quality-focused professional with a passion for editing to produce clear, compelling and credible content. Join us to enhance our editorial standards and deliver an outstanding experience to our readers across platforms.