Managing Editor

Mississippi Today is a dynamic, digital nonprofit news organization that aims to engage, inform, and empower the people of Mississippi. Committed to delivering the highest caliber of journalism, we focus on educating Mississippians about the intersections of education, health, government, climate, and politics, and how these impact the daily lives of its residents.

Position Summary:

Mississippi Today is seeking an experienced Managing Editor to spearhead our commitment to engaged journalism while overseeing and enhancing our editorial strategy. The Managing Editor will lead our team of journalists, ensuring our content reflects diverse voices and state perspectives. Central to this role is the practice and promotion of engaged and solutions-oriented journalism, actively involving the community in our processes and ensuring that their voices are elevated in our work. This pivotal position will also reshape the newsroom's structure, focusing on managing teams of editors and bolstering newsroom workflows.

Primary Responsibilities of the managing editor at Mississippi Today include:

Editorial and Newsroom Management:

In conjunction with the Editor in Chief, develop and manage Editorial budgets that support newsroom operations and expansion

Supervise a team of 2-3 editors, ensuring communication and alignment across the newsroom

Lead editorial meetings, setting the direction for content and ensuring alignment with Mississippi Today's mission

Coordinate content strategies with platform managers and advocate for a diverse range of views within our reporting

Manage teams of editors, providing guidance, advice, and management support

Implement a distribution mindset among leadership and staff, helping editors and reporters think strategically about possible publishing partners on the local and national level

Represent Mississippi Today in public speaking engagements, panels, and community events

Oversee the hiring process for newsroom roles, from crafting job descriptions to conducting interviews, in collaboration with team editors and human resources

Identify and coordinate in-house newsroom trainings for staff

Act as point person for summer interns

Plan evergreen stories for holidays

Submit journalists’ stories for nomination to annual awards.

Engaged Journalism and Content Strategy:

Serve as the point person to the Audience Team for newsletters, resources, guides, data projects and other innovations to ensure production and alignment with editorial goals and standards.

Drive daily digital engagement, fostering a habit of reliance and trust with our readers and listeners

Champion an "audience-first" approach, collaborating closely with the community and integrating their voices into our content

Have a familiarity with modern engagement tools and methodologies

Maintain a deep commitment to public service journalism

Operational Duties:

Obtain annual press passes for reporters and manage external requests for publication

Act as a bridge between newsroom staff and upper management, ensuring clear communication and understanding of policies

Embrace and implement emerging tools of engaged journalism to further the mission of Mississippi Today

Handle newsroom travel arrangements, from booking flights to accommodations

Manage all newsroom subscriptions, ensuring accessibility and regular updates

Qualifications:

2 to 5 years of management experience

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to manage multiple projects at once while meeting all deadlines

Excellent organizational and leadership skills

Ability to plan and coordinate people and operations

Digital publishing experience

Working knowledge of online platforms like WordPress and SEO concepts

Experience in copywriting and editing

Attention to detail

How to Apply:

We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents the people and communities we serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people who are differently abled.