Deputy Managing Editor, Limited Term
- $129,776–$162,220 per year
- Remote
- Full Time
About the role
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Deputy Managing Editor based in the United States.
As a Deputy Managing Editor, you will help shape editorial strategy and coordinate high-impact journalism across multiple newsrooms throughout California. You will work closely with newsroom leadership, editors, reporters, and external media partners to develop coverage priorities and deliver compelling stories across public media platforms. In this leadership role, you will oversee statewide content planning, coordinate daily news coverage, and guide the development of major reporting projects. You will also contribute to national coverage in collaboration with NPR, ensuring California stories reach broader audiences. Combining exceptional editorial judgment with collaborative leadership, you will support journalists with diverse experience levels and resources. This is a six-month, limited-term opportunity, with the possibility of extension, offering the chance to influence collaborative public-interest journalism.
Accountabilities
In this role, you will provide editorial leadership, oversee statewide content coordination, and strengthen collaboration between journalists and partner newsrooms. Your main responsibilities will include:
Coordinate daily news coverage, major breaking news, and long-term collaborative projects with newsroom leaders across California.
Lead statewide content planning and editorial coordination across a network of 14 public radio stations and nonprofit media partners.
Assign, edit, and oversee daily news stories, in-depth features, and major editorial projects.
Work closely with reporters, editors, news directors, and producers to identify relevant stories and ensure consistent coverage across partner organizations.
Collaborate with national media partners to coordinate California coverage for broader audiences.
Support managing editors in defining editorial priorities, evaluating story proposals, and approving projects aligned with newsroom strategy.
Provide editorial guidance, constructive feedback, and management support to senior editors, reporters, and producers.
Oversee between one and four journalists responsible for content production and planning.
Maintain an organized database of editorial assignments, coverage priorities, and ongoing projects.
Ensure content production aligns with strategic objectives and the needs of all partner newsrooms, including organizations with different resources and audiences.
Step in to lead the overall newsroom operation when the Managing Editor is unavailable.
Occasionally provide coverage for colleagues and represent the organization at relevant industry and community events.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate is an experienced newsroom professional with outstanding editorial judgment, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to coordinate complex journalism projects across multiple organizations. You should be an empathetic and organized manager who can balance strategic planning with hands-on editorial work. Key qualifications include:
At least 5 years of experience in a similar leadership or editorial role within a newsroom or professional news environment.
Strong knowledge of California news, current affairs, and issues affecting communities across the state.
Excellent editorial judgment and the ability to identify important stories with significant audience relevance.
Thorough understanding of journalistic principles, professional ethics, and editorial standards.
Proven experience coordinating collaborations and partnerships across multiple newsrooms or media organizations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with journalists and colleagues at all organizational levels.
Demonstrated leadership and people management capabilities, including the ability to support and guide experienced editors and reporters.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing assignments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners.
Capacity to remain focused, proactive, and adaptable while working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines.
Previous experience in a newsroom management position is preferred.
Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, or other widely spoken languages in California is an advantage.
Experience identifying and developing compelling stories that address important community interests is highly desirable.
Benefits:
Annual salary ranging from $129,776 to $162,220 USD.
Full-time, six-month limited-term position, with the possibility of extension.
Hybrid work arrangement based in San Francisco, California, with remote work available for candidates residing in California.
Opportunity to lead collaborative journalism initiatives involving 14 public radio stations and nonprofit media partners.
Exposure to statewide and national editorial projects, including collaboration with NPR.
Opportunity to shape editorial strategy and influence public-interest reporting across diverse communities.
Leadership experience managing journalists and coordinating multi-organization editorial teams.
Inclusive and collaborative working environment that values human dignity, equity, belonging, and diverse perspectives.