Position: Editor-in-Chief & Chief Content Officer, The Root
Location: Remote, with business operations aligned to Eastern Time.
Overview
The Root is a pioneering Black news and culture online publication that has played a defining role in shaping contemporary conversations about race, identity and power in America. Founded in 2008 as a partnership between Henry Louis Gates Jr. and The Washington Post Company, the publication was created to bring rigorous reporting, sharp commentary and historical context to issues affecting Black communities—often from perspectives underrepresented in mainstream media. Over time, The Root evolved into a distinctive editorial voice, blending journalism, cultural criticism and humor while elevating Black writers and thinkers across politics, entertainment and other areas. The Root’s work has consistently advanced our national dialogue, challenging dominant narratives and serving as a vital platform for nuanced, unapologetically Black storytelling.
Responsibilities
The Root is seeking an Editor-in-Chief to drive an expansive editorial vision for the publication and its evolution into a dynamic, forward-looking multimedia platform. This leader will build on The Root’s legacy of impactful journalism while expanding its reach across digital platforms and emerging formats and staying ahead of coming trends in the changing media landscape.
More specifically, the Editor-in-Chief will:
Set and execute a bold, cohesive editorial vision that aligns with The Root’s mission, voice and audience.
Oversee all editorial operations, including newsroom structure, workflows, standards and content output across all platforms.
Lead the development of high-impact journalism, cultural criticism and multimedia storytelling that resonates with and reflects Black communities.
Expand The Root’s content footprint by identifying and partnering with senior editorial leaders to launch new editorial verticals, series and formats (including video, audio and social-first content).
Ensure editorial excellence, accuracy, integrity and consistency across all content.
Partner with product, audience development and revenue leadership to grow The Root’s audience, engagement and brand loyalty across the site, social platforms and emerging channels.
Use audience insights, analytics and industry trends to inform content strategy and optimize performance.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with contributors, freelancers and thought leaders to elevate diverse voices and perspectives.
Represent The Root publicly as a leading editorial voice through media appearances, speaking engagements and industry forums.
Deepen engagement with Black audiences by ensuring coverage reflects, serves and listens to the communities The Root represents.
Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing editorial team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and innovative newsroom culture.
Encourage experimentation and innovation in storytelling formats while upholding editorial independence and integrity.
Establish and track editorial performance goals and key metrics tied to audience growth, engagement and impact.
Operate effectively in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, balancing hands-on execution with strategic leadership.
Qualifications
At least 10–12 years of experience in journalism, media or digital publishing, with significant experience in editorial leadership roles.
Proven track record of leading a newsroom or major editorial team, preferably in a digital-first environment.
Strong editorial judgment and a demonstrated ability to shape compelling, culturally resonant content.
Experience managing multimedia content strategies, including text, video, audio and social platforms.
Deep understanding of digital audience development, content distribution and analytics.
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with product, marketing and revenue functions to grow audience and impact.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in mentoring and developing editorial talent.
Familiarity with the evolving media landscape, including emerging platforms, formats and revenue models.
Experience working in or covering Black media, culture or communities preferred, but not required.
Ability to balance daily editorial execution with long-term strategic planning.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate vision internally and externally.
Personal Attributes / Leadership Style
You take the time to understand an organization’s voice, history and audience before making major editorial shifts.
You are a hands-on leader who is as comfortable editing a story as you are setting strategy.
You thrive in fast-paced, resource-conscious environments and can operate independently when needed.
You are intellectually curious and deeply engaged with cultural, political and media trends.
You hold yourself and others to high editorial standards while fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.
You lead with authenticity, clarity and purpose.
Reporting & Structure
The Editor-in-Chief will report to The Root’s CEO, a position that is being filled in parallel to this role. Direct reports to the Editor-in-Chief will be the Executive Editor, Web; along with an Executive Producer, Social; and Executive Editor, New Products & Verticals.
Compensation and Application Instructions
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, reflecting both the scope of the role and The Root’s commitment to attracting outstanding leadership.
There will be moderate travel required in this position.
Interested parties should upload a resume and cover letter here