Since I work here, let me explain it. Yes, we've had a lot of turnover here. No point denying it. In fact, I'm the only one left from the three people on the sports desk at the end of 2009.
But really, it's been a perfect storm with everyone leaving in such a short window. Our sports editor who left in January was in his fourth year in Pocatello. The writer we're replacing here was in his third year. We've stayed at three people after pulling a writer over from the news side when our editor left, and that writer is now returning to news. The guy I replaced had also spent multiple years here and now works in Wichita.
We just hired a new sports editor last month, Jay Heater. He doesn't plan on leaving any time soon, and he's a great guy to work for. I've been here 10 months and I'm not going anywhere for a while either, so things will be stable once we make this hire, and we do plan on making it quickly. Jay and I have no desire to be a two-man section for a minute longer than absolutely necessary, so in addition to the job description above, the ideal candidate will be able to relocate quickly.
As far as the job itself, it's mainly design. We want someone who is aesthetically skilled and comfortable with putting the majority of the section together so Jay and I can dedicate our time to finding and writing the best stories we can. We use InDesign, so if that's what you know, that's a big advantage.
As far as the rest of the job, we cover 19 high schools and Idaho State University, so writing briefs will be another big part of the job.
I think I've explained things fairly well, but if I've overlooked some things, PM me or e-mail at
[email protected]. Also, whoever gets the job, I hope you like cheesecake. I bake a lot and bring one in to the newsroom about once a week.
Dan Angell
