We’re seeking an editor with superior news judgment who has experience reporting on and editing stories focused on state policy and politics. You’ll oversee a talented team and should enjoy working with veteran reporters as well as mentoring our next generation of journalists. You should be comfortable editing breaking news and investigative enterprise. Familiarity with North Carolina politics is a plus. (We also expect you to know AP Style.)

Based in Raleigh, just a few blocks from the state Capitol, you’ll manage a team of seven journalists dedicated to Newsline’s mission of fearless and fair reporting that sheds light on how decisions in Raleigh are made and how they affect individuals across the Tar Heel state. 

You’ll also produce a daily newsletter and continue to build out the newsroom’s social media presence. You’ll work closely with your States Newsroom peers in other states to share best practices, collaborate on stories and build relationships that help refine the newsroom’s operations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and hire journalists to provide daily news coverage and enterprise reporting on major state policy and political stories
• Edit and sometimes write major state policy and political stories
• Produce a daily morning newsletter with news readers need for the day
• Work with States Newsroom’s audience staff to achieve consistent engagement across newsletters and emerging social platforms
• Develop and distribute original content to drive area news coverage
• Solicit editorial content from local contributors for a North Carolina-focused opinion section
• Participate in weekly calls, and periodic visits with National Editor(s) as well as regular meetings of all States Newsroom editors

The Editor will have funding for staffing, freelancers, technology and overhead expenses. Technical, marketing and editorial support are provided by our headquarters office.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of professional reporting and/or editing experience, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep knowledge of North Carolina’s political history and media landscape.

The minimum salary for a state editor 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
• 11 paid holidays per year
• $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
• Annual DeleteMe subscription

All necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom. Authorization to work in the United States is required. At this time, States Newsroom is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but we also aim to be supportive, 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. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume with at least three professional references, and links to at least five writing/editing samples that demonstrate your vision for a hard-hitting newsroom to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive.