Managing Edioitr

Job Description

Arkansas Today is a nonprofit news organization founded upon the idea that every Arkansan is entitled to have their voice heard. Central to this is a focus on in-depth accountability and investigative journalism prioritizing historically undercovered geographic areas that have been swept up in the ever-increasing proliferation of news deserts. By partnering with existing media organizations — ranging from national outlets to hyper-local websites — Arkansas Today seeks to elevate those voices that too often go unheard, and to address the systemic issues that have long gone unchallenged in the Natural State.

Position Summary:

Arkansas Today is seeking up to two experienced Managing Editors to help launch our new statewide newsroom. These senior newsroom managers will work closely with our Editor-in-Chief to develop and oversee an editorial strategy centered around accountability and investigative reporting in lesser-covered areas of the state. Central to this role is the practice and promotion of engaged and solutions-oriented journalism, actively involving the community in our processes and ensuring that their voices are elevated in our work.

From day one, the Managing Editor will be expected to be a key player in determining all facets of the newsroom, including but not limited to staffing decisions, newsroom workflows, editorial partnerships, and so forth. Ultimately, the Managing Editor will oversee day-to-day operations, manage teams of journalists and play a crucial role in shaping the newsroom's direction as it grows.

The ideal candidate will not only be an experienced editorial leader capable of overseeing daily newsroom workflows, but also someone who approaches the role with an innovative mindset, a willingness to pivot, and a desire to build something truly from the ground up.

Primary responsibilities of the Managing Editor at Arkansas Today include:

Editorial and Newsroom Management:

• Work closely with the Editor-in-Chief to set the vision for our new newsroom.
• Develop and manage editorial budgets that support newsroom operations and expansion, with a special focus on identifying and developing beats focused on historically undercovered geographic regions and subject matter areas across Arkansas.
• Lead editorial meetings, setting the direction for coverage and ensuring alignment with Arkansas Today's mission.
• Supervise a team of reporters, working to scope investigations, develop reporting plans and set realistic timelines, while ensuring communication and alignment across newsroom locations.
• Edit and second-read daily, explanatory, and engagement-driven coverage, ranging from quick-turn accountability stories to multipart investigations.
• Coordinate editorial strategies with platform managers and advocate for a diverse range of views within our reporting.
• Implement a distribution mindset among leadership and staff, helping editors and reporters think strategically about possible publishing partners on the local and national level.
• Represent Arkansas Today in public speaking engagements, panels, and community events.
• Help oversee the hiring process for newsroom roles, from crafting job descriptions to conducting interviews, in collaboration with team editors and human resources.
• Act as a bridge between newsroom staff and senior management, policies are clearly communicated and understood.
• Embrace and implement emerging tools of engaged journalism to further the mission of Arkansas Today.
• Identify and coordinate in-house newsroom training for staff.
• Act as a point person for interns or fellows.
• Submit journalists’ stories for nomination to annual awards. 

Community Engagement and Partnerships:

• Collaborate with the Audience Team to develop  newsletters, resources, guides, data projects and other innovations to ensure production and alignment with editorial goals and standards.
• Build community input into our reporting from the start, using reader tips, listening sessions, and source networks in undercovered regions to identify stories and encourage engagement.
• Champion public service and solutions journalism.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with partner newsrooms across the state.

What you will get:

• Highly competitive benefits package, including medical insurance and options for vision and dental insurance.
• 29 days paid time off.
• Up to 12 weeks of parental family leave, with return-to-work flexibility.
• Simple IRA with 3 percent company matching. Group-term life insurance provided to employees ($15,000 policy).
• Support for professional training and attending industry conferences.

How to Apply:

We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents the people and communities we serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people who are differently abled.

Job Requirements

Qualified candidates should bring:

• At least 2 years of newsroom management experience
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once while meeting all deadlines
• Working knowledge of WordPress and an understanding of how analytics and distribution shape what readers engage with
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with strong attention to detail.

It’s a plus if you have:

• A proven track record of editing accountability-focused and investigative stories
• Experience working across various forms of media, especially video and audio
• Experience working in both breaking-news and long-term news environments
• Familiarity with and/or reporting experience in geographic areas across Arkansas
• Experience with community engagement or audience programs in a newsroom
• Experience mentoring up-and-coming reporters

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