Copy Desk Chief Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of publishing, the role of a Copy Desk Chief has never been more vital.

As content creation surges forward, the demand for proficient individuals who can edit, manage, and maintain the quality of our written works escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Copy Desk Chief?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of copy editing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Copy Desk Chief job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Copy Desk Chief Duties and Responsibilities

A Copy Desk Chief manages the team responsible for proofreading, fact-checking, and modifying an author’s writing for clarity, punctuation, grammar, and accuracy.

They ensure that all written materials align with organizational standards and style guides and that they are error-free and consistent with the brand message.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Copy Desk Chief:

• Overseeing the work of all copy editors and proofreaders
• Setting guidelines for the copy desk team to follow
• Reviewing and approving final drafts of written materials before publication
• Ensuring that all written materials adhere to the established style guides
• Correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in texts
• Fact-checking the information presented in the text to ensure its accuracy
• Revising content for clarity and coherence
• Coordinating with writers, editors, and other stakeholders to resolve any content-related issues
• Training new copy desk members and providing them with constructive feedback
• Managing deadlines and ensuring that all materials are delivered on time
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in language usage and new terminology in the field

 

Copy Desk Chief Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent and experienced Copy Desk Chief to oversee our copy editing operations.

The Copy Desk Chief is responsible for ensuring that all published content meets the highest standards of clarity, accuracy, and readability.

They will manage a team of copy editors, proofread and revise content, and guide the editorial process.

Our ideal candidate is highly familiar with AP style, has a keen eye for detail, and possesses excellent leadership skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the copy desk
• Manage and mentor a team of copy editors
• Review and revise content for clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style
• Ensure all content aligns with the publication’s standards and style guide
• Collaborate with writers and editors to improve content quality
• Develop and enforce copy editing policies and procedures
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure timely publication
• Handle escalated issues and make final decisions on content disputes

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a copy editor or related role
• Superior knowledge of grammar rules, spelling, punctuation, and style guides
• Proficient in using editing software and tools
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Outstanding communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Copy Desk Chief
• Work Environment: Office setting with possible options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or industry events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Managing Editor or Editorial Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Copy Desk Chief Do?

A Copy Desk Chief is a key player in the editorial process, typically employed by newspapers, magazines, and digital media outlets.

They can also work as independent consultants, providing services to various organizations.

The primary responsibility of a Copy Desk Chief is to supervise and coordinate the activities of the copy desk.

This includes managing the team of copy editors, assigning tasks, and ensuring adherence to the editorial standards and guidelines.

Their work involves reviewing and approving the content before it’s published, ensuring it’s grammatically correct, factually accurate, and clear.

They also check that the content aligns with the organization’s style guide and does not violate any laws or ethical standards.

Additionally, they may be tasked with writing headlines, captions, and other supporting text to enhance the readability of the content.

Copy Desk Chiefs are involved in planning and scheduling the publication of content, coordinating with other departments like the newsroom, design, and production.

They also play a crucial role in making last-minute updates or corrections to content before it goes live.

They are expected to provide constructive feedback to the copy editors, helping them improve their skills and maintain the quality of the content.

They also handle any disputes or issues that arise within the copy desk team, ensuring a smooth workflow.

 

Copy Desk Chief Qualifications and Skills

A Copy Desk Chief must possess a blend of creativity, communication skills, and technical knowledge, including:

• Excellent command of English language and grammar, to ensure that the content is free from errors and meets the highest standards of quality.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills to review, revise, and approve articles before they are published.
• Ability to manage time effectively, ensuring that deadlines are met without compromising on the quality of work.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and guide the team of copy editors, providing them with constructive feedback and ensuring smooth team operations.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with other departments and teams, discussing and implementing changes as necessary.
• Good understanding of media law and ethics, ensuring that all published content adheres to relevant laws and guidelines.
• Proficiency in digital tools and software, such as content management systems, SEO tools, and text editing software.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing them to make informed decisions and solve problems that may arise during the production process.

 

Copy Desk Chief Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Copy Desk Chief position typically need to have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in an editorial role, such as Copy Editor or Associate Editor.

This experience often comes from working in a newsroom or publishing environment, where they gain in-depth knowledge of language style guides, editorial standards, and copy editing software.

Candidates should also have experience with supervisory or managerial duties, as the role of a Copy Desk Chief often involves overseeing a team of copy editors and coordinating with other departments.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in an editorial or supervisory role may be better equipped for the responsibilities of a Copy Desk Chief, as this role requires extensive knowledge of journalistic ethics, excellent judgment for making editorial decisions, and strong leadership skills.

Furthermore, candidates with additional experience or training in journalism, communications, or a related field may have an edge over others, as these fields often emphasize the skills necessary for a Copy Desk Chief role, such as critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

 

Copy Desk Chief Education and Training Requirements

A Copy Desk Chief typically holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or a related field.

They need to possess a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and style, along with excellent writing and editing skills.

Experience in journalism or editing is highly valued in this role, and many Copy Desk Chiefs work their way up from reporter or editor positions.

To keep up with the rapidly evolving media landscape, Copy Desk Chiefs need to be familiar with digital publishing tools and trends.

Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and social media strategies can be advantageous.

Some Copy Desk Chiefs may also choose to pursue a master’s degree in journalism or a related field, or certifications in areas like copy editing or digital publishing, to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Continued professional development, such as attending workshops or seminars on emerging media trends, legal issues in journalism, or diversity in reporting, can also be beneficial.

Prior leadership experience or training can be crucial as this role often involves managing a team of copy editors and coordinating with other departments.

 

Copy Desk Chief Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Copy Desk Chief is $57,063 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on the individual’s years of experience, the size and type of the publication, and the geographical location of the office.

 

Copy Desk Chief Job Description FAQs

What skills are needed to be a Copy Desk Chief?

A successful Copy Desk Chief should have excellent grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax skills.

They must be detail-oriented with a good eye for inconsistencies and errors.

They should also have strong communication skills to interact with writers, editors, and other staff, and leadership skills to manage a team effectively.

 

What is the difference between a Copy Desk Chief and a Copy Editor?

A Copy Editor is responsible for reviewing and correcting written material to improve accuracy, readability, and to ensure it is free of error, omission, inconsistency, and repetition.

On the other hand, a Copy Desk Chief supervises the entire copy desk, overseeing the workflow, ensuring the consistency of the publication’s style, and resolving issues that arise during the editorial process.

 

What qualifications does a Copy Desk Chief need?

A Copy Desk Chief usually needs a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.

They also require several years of experience in editing or journalism, with some of that experience ideally in a management role.

Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Copy Desk Chief?

A good Copy Desk Chief should be highly organized and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while still maintaining a high level of accuracy.

They should have excellent leadership and team management skills, and be able to motivate their team to produce high-quality work.

A good Copy Desk Chief should also have a solid understanding of journalistic ethics and standards.

 

How is the performance of a Copy Desk Chief measured?

The performance of a Copy Desk Chief is often measured by the accuracy and consistency of the final published content.

Other factors include the efficiency of the editorial process, the morale and productivity of the copy editing team, and the ability to meet deadlines and publication schedules.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve dissected the intricate responsibilities of a Copy Desk Chief.

And guess what?

It’s not just about correcting grammar and punctuation.

It’s about shaping the narrative landscape, one article at a time.

With our detailed Copy Desk Chief job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed for success.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating pinpoint-precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word and sentence contributes to the larger narrative.

Let’s craft compelling stories. Together.

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