The Appalachian Photo Editor job description, 2016-17 
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The role 
 
The Photo Editor manages a staff of photographers and is responsible for coordinating with desk editors to 
provide photos in conjunction with written content for publication in The Appalachian. The editor is appointed 
by the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the Assistant Director for Student Media. The editor is responsible to 
the Editor-in-Chief and Visual Managing Editor. 
 
Application instructions 
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Your complete application will include your completed application online, your current resume, and at least two 
samples of relevant work. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be 
accepted. Application materials must be submitted via email to Carl Blankenship, incoming editor-in-chief, at 
blankenshipcr@appstate.edu. For more information, contact Allison Bennett Dyche, Assistant Director for 
Student Media, at dycheab@appstate.edu or 828-262-6252. 
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Responsibilities of the Desk 
 
1.  Provide photos that accompany written content for publication both in the printed newspaper and for 
the website, working with desk editors and reporters to ensure photos are being assigned. 
2.  Provide regular photo essays, conceived and produced by the photo desk, which will inform readers 
and arouse reader interest. 
3.  Edit photos according to journalistic standards for both print and digital publication. 
4.  Write captions to accompany photos and captions and intro paragraphs to accompany photo essays. 
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Managerial Duties 
 
1.  Recruit, train and manage a staff of photographers to provide coverage pertaining to the campus and 
local community. 
2.  Assign photos to accompany stories, making sure that assignments are understood, emphasizing any 
particular angles, information, or any other special treatment that is needed. 
3.  Maintain and enforce deadlines. 
4.  Edit photos according to journalistic and ethical standards for print and digital publication. 
5.  Undertake all assignments for which no photographer is available to cover, including man-on-the-street 
interviews. 
6.  Maintain a regularly updated list of story ideas for future use. 
7.  Attend twice weekly editorial board meetings. 
8.  Lead twice weekly desk meetings. 
9.  Meet with the visual managing editor and/or editor-in-chief to discuss story ideas, quality of visuals and 
coverage, and any problems related to the photo desk. 
10. Inventory and oversee assignment of equipment, in conjunction with the visual managing editor.