States Newsroom National Editor

Join States Newsroom as National Editor and support a portfolio of reporters and newsrooms connecting people to the state policies that shape their daily lives.

States Newsroom, a growing nonprofit news network, is seeking a National Editor to oversee the editorial content and tone of a group of hard-hitting state news organizations, including websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and special projects, ensuring editorial quality and consistency. They will also edit and oversee two national reporters covering the economy and energy transition trends across multiple states.

If you have experience as an editor, are knowledgeable and passionate about state government, and you’ve always wanted to support state capital reporting in multiple states, this is the job for you.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The National Editor will work closely with States Newsroom’s editorial team to establish and maintain editorial standards, story selection, and commentary breadth at affiliated state news outlets. They will be responsible for maintaining the highest editorial standards across their reporter and state portfolios

The National Editor will serve as supervisor to a group of state editors, responsible for the following:

Holding weekly check-ins with a group of state editors to ensure standards are met, communicate about analytics and audience strategies, and facilitate improvements in their newsrooms
Approving editor and national reporter time-off requests
Conducting annual performance reviews of national reporters and state editors
Advising state editors on national or cross-outlet projects, specific outlet improvement plans, and best editing practices
Consulting with state editors on hiring and personnel management, including performance improvement plans and other employee matters

The National Editor will also provide direct editorial and editing support to state outlets only on an emergency basis or when there are sensitive stories that require additional review. They will work closely with States Newsroom staff to explore new ways to expand the reach of each state’s reporting and commentary.

The National Editor will also participate in regular meetings of all state editors, usually in Washington, DC, as well as smaller gatherings of national editors and assorted regional staff. Some travel to state outlets will also be required.

The National Editor will also support States Newsroom’s growth with expertise, advice, and input into personnel decisions. Other duties may arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a college degree, extensive reporting and editing experience (at least ten years), and excellent written and verbal communication skills. We are looking for the proven ability to manage newsrooms and complex reporting projects. Flexibility, a love for news, and an entrepreneurial spirit are essential qualities.

This full-time staff position can be based in the Midwest or elsewhere if you are willing to work a schedule that corresponds with the workday in Central, Mountain, or Pacific time zone.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of hire.

COMPENSATION

The minimum salary for this position is $95,000 and rises with experience. Our generous benefits package includes:

Premium-free platinum healthcare for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
4 weeks of vacation per year
2 weeks of personal leave per year
20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
7 holidays and 4 floating holidays
$75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
$200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
$75 monthly fitness benefit
401K with up to 3% match
12 weeks of parental leave
Full-service EAP

New laptop and any necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but not at the expense of burning out its employees. We are supportive, exciting, welcoming and positive. We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat.

States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission.

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee. We are also creating a leadership position for a professional who will help meet these goals.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume with at least three professional references and any links/clips you’d like considered to jobs@statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.