Editor, DCist (16641)

WAMU 88.5 is Washington DC’s leading public radio station for NPR news and information. It’s our mission to connect Washingtonians with each other and the world through balanced, enlightening, inspiring and entertaining programs of the highest quality.

Summary/Objective

The Editor of local news outlet DCist ensures the production of insightful, relevant, compelling news stories about the D.C. region. They will be responsible for overseeing both daily reporting and enterprise stories.

The Editor will have excellent news judgment and will guide and edit the reporting of staff writers and freelancers to ensure that all work meets established editorial, ethical and style guidelines. The Editor will oversee the development of key content initiatives, setting a clear vision for both daily and long-term reporting while building a strong, collaborative team.

In addition to editing, the Editor also crafts strong headlines and sources compelling images. In collaboration with other team members, the editor works to identify opportunities for audience engagement. As desired, they may occasionally contribute reporting.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. (80%) Spearheads editorial work in key content areas. Edits original stories for DCist, working with staff writers and freelancers to develop story ideas, conceive of angles, craft compelling narratives, and generate headlines. Contributes story ideas that are relevant, timely, and convey a distinct sense of place and editorial style. Monitors developments in news, arts, culture, and other key areas of interest to the DCist readership and searching for newsworthy angles. Ensures that content meets editorial and style guidelines and a high standard of journalistic accuracy and integrity.

2.(10%) Helps maintain daily editorial calendar and coordination, along with longer range planning, in collaboration with DCist and WAMU staff.

3.(5%) Executes social media strategy for DCist stories, identifying creative and effective ways to engage the audience. Contributes to social media and daily newsletters.

4.(5%) Serves as a representative and ambassador for DCist and WAMU, appearing at conferences, panels, membership events and on-air as needed. Stands in for managing editor or editor-in-chief when necessary

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervises staff writers and freelancers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time
  
  
• 35 hours/week
  
  
• Exempt
  
  
• This role will involve one weekend shift.
  
  
• This position ends on 12/31/2020.
  
  

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
  
  
• 3-5 years of relevant experience
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
  
  
• 3-5 years of relevant experience
  
  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Superb writing and editing skills, with a meticulous eye for accuracy and understanding of what makes for effective storytelling.
  
  
• A proven understanding of how to build and activate digital audiences around news content.
  
  
• The proven ability to edit in a fast-paced environmen
  
  
• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC