California Managing Editor

State Affairs, a national, digital news site reporting on state legislatures around the country, is in search of an experienced managing editor to cover critical news and policy coming out of the state capital in Sacramento, California.

This is more than a job; it’s a chance to be at the helm of impactful journalism in one of the most dynamic states in the nation. At State Affairs, we pride ourselves on delivering nonpartisan, fair and accurate news that informs and empowers our readers.

Here’s what makes this position so special:

• The opportunity to work with a dynamic team dedicated to high-quality reporting. That includes me!

• A chance to lead coverage on stories that matter, from Statehouse developments to in-depth analyses of the issues affecting Californians.

• The satisfaction of contributing to a publication that prioritizes nonpartisan integrity and fairness in everything we do.

About the position

The Managing Editor role is perfect for a seasoned journalist who thrives on leadership and innovation. You’ll oversee a talented, award-winning and passionate team, collaborate on meaningful projects, and help shape the editorial strategy for California coverage.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of compelling, relevant and accurate news stories to our readership. This position requires a strong journalistic or copy-editing background and a passion for delivering impactful nonpartisan news. Attention to detail is paramount, and knowledge of The Associated Press style is desirable. A passion for politics is desirable.

We seek a full-time managing editor with significant editing and writing experience who can produce well-thought out dailies and enterprise stories on the inner workings of state government, state government agencies, policy makers and other movers and shakers. This journalist is also able to turn around a well-written and reported story on a tight deadline.

The candidate will work closely with the journalists, and, among other things, arrange interviews with government officials and others who can provide information about stories; review copy and correct errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines; determine a story’s emphasis, length and format, and organize material accordingly; research and analyze background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information; gather information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, social or other functions; and pitch stories that are relevant to the local community.

This position is NOT remote. The candidate will work most days out of the Sacramento Statehouse. Candidates not in Sacramento or the surrounding area must be willing to relocate to the area.

State Affairs offers health insurance and a generous vacation policy.

Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.

The salary for this position is $95,000 to $120,000 annually based on experience.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to meet deadline
• Edit stories, graphics, pull quotes, info boxes, etc., for content, errors and libel, taking into consideration AP style and the in-house style guide.
• Proofread/copy edit the Pro editions before publication
• Assist in developing and implementing editorial strategies to enhance audience engagement, increase readership and drive digital growth.
• Elevate reporters’ stories by seizing opportunities for in-depth enterprise stories, including those with statewide, and at times national, reach.
• Communicate quickly and effectively with reporters to break news online and follow up when appropriate with more in-depth enterprise pieces.
• Demonstrate a high comfort level with analyzing and interpreting metrics and use them to inform coverage decisions in real-time and the long-term.
• Persistent
• Pays attention to detail
• Research skills
• Familiarity with data-based reporting
• Digital literacy and familiarity with multimedia platforms and methods
• Logistical reasoning and objectivity
• Adhere to journalism code of ethics
• Strong project management and project planning skills
• Demonstrated team leadership experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred
• Five years of experience as a reporter or editor; government reporting preferred

Join our mission

State Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

How to apply

If you’re passionate about journalism that drives change and informs the public, I encourage you to apply. Let’s work together to set a new standard for statehouse reporting and storytelling. Send a cover letter and resume with at least three writing samples to Alison Bethel, editor-in-chief, at alison@stateaffairs.com. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Base salary

$95,000/yr - $120,000/yr

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Editing: 5 years (Required)
• Journalism: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sacramento, CA 95814: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $120,000