National Editor Job at AAJA25 in Chapel Hill

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

States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news network, is seeking a National Editor to oversee the editorial content of a group of hard-hitting state news outlets, including websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and special projects, ensuring editorial quality and consistency.

We’re looking for an experienced editor, with a proven track record of developing journalists, shaping editorial policy and executing internal and external collaborations.

Job Responsibilities

The National Editor is part of the States Newsroom team that sets ethical and editorial standards for reporting and commentary, and ensures that newsrooms follow IRS guidelines for nonprofit news organizations.

As supervisor to a group of state editors, the National Editor will be responsible for the following:

• Holding weekly check-ins to ensure standards are met, communicate analytics and audience strategies, and facilitate improvements in their newsrooms
• Approving time‑off requests
• Conducting annual performance reviews
• Advising on national or cross‑outlet projects, specific outlet improvement plans, and best editing practices
• Consulting 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 as needed and must read all 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, including an annual summit usually in Washington, DC, as well as smaller gatherings of national editors and assorted regional staff. Some travel to state outlets is required.

Benefits & Compensation

The minimum salary for this position is $105,000 and rises with experience. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium‑free platinum health care for employees (and 75% of medical premiums covered for qualified dependents)
• 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
• 401(k) 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 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 fair and fearless 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.

Job Requirements

This position requires a college degree, extensive reporting and editing experience (at least 10 years), deep knowledge of AP style and libel laws, 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 anywhere in the U.S. Our newsrooms are located in 39 states and you may be asked to work a schedule that might be outside of your time zone.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. At this time, States Newsroom is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

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. Due to the high volume of emails received, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually.