Managing Editor

Are you a top-quality leader who can direct an award-winning team of journalists at the largest news organization in California focused on state issues? With deep knowledge of politics and policy and the ability to elevate a story with strong writing, key perspectives and essential sources? If so, you might be the next managing editor at CalMatters. We’re looking for someone who is highly organized and a strong but collaborative manager. Someone who is a quick thinker but calm under pressure.

This position is the heartbeat of our talented newsroom. This leader will run the day-to-day operations and work directly with five assignment editors as well as experts on visuals, data, promotion and more. It involves quick decisions about timely stories and thoughtful consideration about in-depth work, with effective coordination of all the resources we bring to major projects and issues. It also means coordinating brainstorming sessions to look ahead at the best opportunities for CalMatters to have impact on multiple platforms – print, digital, audio and broadcast. 

Our nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization was founded a decade ago as California’s Capitol press corps was dwindling. Since then we’ve grown to a team of dozens across the state. 

Our stories are on our website, as well as on Apple News, SmartNews, in newspapers across the state, on public radio and TV stations, and in other online news outlets. We are one of the nation’s largest nonprofit newsrooms.

We seek someone who has several, but not necessarily all, of these skills:

• At least 10 years managing journalists and/or editors. 
• A strong track record of publishing journalism that holds politicians and institutions accountable on behalf of the public.
• Enthusiasm for thinking and working creatively and collaboratively with journalists to tell stories on multiple platforms.
• The ability to support reporters and editors to grow and do their best work and the ability to build teams and coverage that reflects California's varied communities.  
• Experience covering or overseeing a team that has covered California politics.
• The ability to develop compelling short, medium, and long-form stories, and to teach others how to do the same.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for these positions is $160,000 to $175,000 per year; higher compensation may be available for someone with advanced skills and/or experience.

CalMatters offers a complete benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance – we cover 90% of the cost for employees and 70% for dependents – from a range of HMO and PPO providers. We’ll match contributions of up to 4% of your salary to our 401(k) program, provide life insurance at no cost, and give you an allowance for personal use of your cell phone and a budget for professional development opportunities like classes and conferences.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage applicants with a variety of experiences and backgrounds to apply. Our newsroom strives to reflect the diversity of our state. Even if you don’t have all of the skills we listed, we want to hear from you, especially because research shows that underrepresented applicants often downplay their skills. 

Please send us a cover letter that outlines your interest in CalMatters and why you would be good for this job. 

This position must be based in California.

Salary : $160,000 - $175,000