New Guard Editor-in-Chief (EIC)

Young America’s Foundation’s National Headquarters (Reston, Virginia)
Opening: Immediate
$80,000 to $120,000 per year

About the role

Young America’s Foundation (YAF) has an immediate opening for a chief editor of YAF’s publication, The New Guard. The New Guard Editor-in-Chief will work closely with YAF leadership to guide, edit, and oversee aggressive, subversive, and compelling coverage of universities and K–12 institutions. The ideal candidate will work daily with YAF’s program and communications teams and YAF’s National Journalism Center to oversee editorial operations, shape coverage priorities, and ensure consistent, high-quality journalism and editorial content that positions The New Guard as the #1 destination for young conservatives.

The New Guard Editor-in-Chief will manage incoming story ideas and tips submitted through the Campus Bias Tipline, assign and edit stories, and guide investigative and staff and student contributors from pitch to publication. The Editor-in-Chief will also collaborate on content strategy for YAF’s digital platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.

Reports to: Director of YAF’s National Journalism Center

Responsibilities

• Oversee and edit daily stories exposing bias and attacks on free speech in education
• Manage student and staff writers and contributors
• Set editorial priorities and guide coverage to grow the reach and reputation of The New Guard and the Campus Bias Tipline
• Edit, fact-check, and publish content on The New Guard and maintain the Campus Bias Tipline workflow
• Work with reporters, students, and contributors to refine story pitches, structure investigations, and strengthen reporting
• Draft and edit email content promoting New Guard stories for distribution to YAF’s key audiences
• Assist with research projects, polling, surveys, and reports released to the media and shared on YAF social media platforms
• Edit and contribute op-eds related to New Guard coverage
• Train and advise students on media engagement and promoting YAF-related events on campus
• Stay informed on campus trends, issues, and current events, particularly in the Conservative Movement
• Edit other YAF publications and content as needed
• Assist with YAF programs and events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Deep commitment to Young America’s Foundation’s mission, values, and principles
• Bachelor’s degree (or similar experience), preferably in journalism, communications, or a related field
• Strong editorial judgment and experience editing news or investigative content
• Familiarity with researching and developing underreported campus stories
• Familiarity with open records requests and adjudication
• Newswriting and editing experience with familiarity in AP style
• Experience managing content workflows in WordPress or similar publishing platforms
• Ability to mentor writers and manage multiple stories and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop and Premiere is a plus
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools
• Past involvement with YAF programs is a plus
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Team player with excellent oral, written, organizational, and copyediting skills
• Commitment to compliance with YAF policies and procedures as outlined in the YAF Staff Manual
• Occasional travel will be required
• This is not a remote position. The candidate is required to work full-time at YAF’s National Headquarters in Reston, Virginia

Pay

$80,000 to $120,000 per year