Education Editing Fellow
About the role
The Detroit Free Press seeks a strong editor to lead a team of two education reporters as a one-year grant-funded editing fellow. This role is part of a rapid expansion of education coverage statewide. The editor will collaborate with a statewide education reporting fellow and a regional education reporting fellow, setting priorities for impactful coverage. They will serve as a thought partner throughout the reporting process—from building community relationships to story development and editing—and will help facilitate community engagement.
This team will leverage multiple mediums and platforms—video, social media, articles, in-person engagements, and visuals—to help parents, lawmakers, and community leaders understand the challenges facing Michigan’s education system, particularly as Michigan children lag behind other states in reading, math, attendance, and postsecondary education attainment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of two education reporters, setting coverage priorities for maximum impact.
- Collaborate with reporters from early story development through editing, ensuring high-quality journalism.
- Facilitate community engagement to strengthen reporting and audience connection.
- Produce content across multiple platforms, including video, social media, articles, and visuals.
- Utilize audience analytics, SEO, and engagement strategies to amplify reach and impact.
- Interact with readers and stakeholders, including on-camera appearances when necessary.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 1–3 years of editing or related experience.
- Strong line-editing and story-planning skills.
- Experience managing people and solving problems collaboratively.
- Comfortable engaging with audiences and stakeholders, including on-camera appearances.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Skills
- Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
- Proficiency in audience analytics, SEO, and engagement strategies.