As administrative editor (1985-1987), I learned the newsroom budgeting process, set up a recruiting database, wrote a newsroom policy manual and coordinated with the marketing department for inhouse promotions.
I negotiated with news and comics syndicates to purchase ongoing features and special packages including individual stories or photos. The budget was tight, so we never paid asking price.
I organized a statewide Texas Associated Press Managing Editors conference and a regional job fair sponsored by the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
In addition to these duties, I was the ATEX computer system liaison for the newsroom. I taught new users how to use the system, maintained format files and spoke “computer” to those who clung tightly to their typewriters.
During this time I was elected to the board of directors for the National ATEX Users Group.
Sandra Kleinsasser 