Roles: Editorial leadership, newsroom management, community engagement, audience development
Position Summary
This role is the editorial and community-facing heart of a local news operation. The Editor & Publisher sets the journalistic vision, leads the newsroom team, and serves as a trusted presence in the community. You’ll shape how people understand local issues, build relationships with civic leaders, and ensure the newsroom is producing work that matters to the people you serve.
This is not primarily a desk job. The best editors are out in the community as much as they are in the newsroom—present, visible, and trusted by the people they serve.
Editorial Leadership
You will set the journalistic vision and editorial standards for your market, ensuring coverage is accurate, fair, impactful, and centered on community needs. Assign and edit stories, manage the editorial calendar, and maintain consistent publishing across print and digital platforms. Champion digital-first storytelling and push the newsroom to meet readers where they are. Uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics and work that holds power accountable. Collaborate with peer editors across the wider network to share best practices.
Community Presence & Relationships
Serve as the primary face of the news organisation in your market. Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and local organisations. Represent the publication at community events, public meetings, and civic gatherings. Be the first point of contact when community members or civic leaders have questions or ideas about the news operation’s work.
Audience Growth
Own the publication’s audience metrics with a focus on growing the number of readers who rely on your journalism daily. Champion newsletter growth, digital engagement, and subscription acquisition. Use data and reader feedback to shape coverage decisions, ensuring the newsroom serves genuine community information needs.
Team Development
Recruit, hire, coach, and retain reporting and editorial staff. Build a team that reflects the communities you cover. Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and create an environment where journalists can develop their skills. Foster a newsroom culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, innovation, and deep community commitment.
Business Awareness
Support business development efforts by cultivating relationships with local businesses and advertisers. Maintain a working understanding of the publication’s financial picture, including revenue performance and sustainability goals. Participate in regular operational reviews. Identify opportunities for new coverage, partnerships, or community initiatives that strengthen both the journalism and the business.
Skills/background needed: Strong belief in the value of local journalism. At least 5 years of journalism experience with demonstrated editorial leadership at a news organisation. Proven ability to lead and develop a newsroom team. Experience producing and editing journalism that drives community impact and audience engagement. Comfort with digital platforms, audience analytics, and modern journalism tools. Natural community builder who is energised by being present and engaged in the community you serve. Strong communicator who builds trust with staff and community members. Commitment to equitable, inclusive journalism and leadership practices. Willingness to be a visible, consistent presence in your community.
Rate: Competitive entry-level pay, details shared upon application.
Contract length: Full-time, permanent position
Location: Local position available. This is an in-person role based at the workplace.
Benefits: Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off
Ready to get started? Submit your application below.