News Editor

Washington City Paper is seeking an experienced News Editor to lead the paper’s news and politics coverage. The News Editor is a senior editorial leadership role responsible for assigning and editing all news stories—from short breaking posts to the in-depth investigative features City Paper is known for. Reporting to the Editor, the person in this role works directly with a stable of freelance reporters and the paper’s Loose Lips columnist to cover various areas of D.C. life, including the Metropolitan Police Department, local politics and policy, the current federal government’s impact on the city, housing, education, homelessness, and social justice issues. The goal is to formulate and guide cohesive coverage that directly impacts Washingtonians. A successful candidate will be a skillful editor with reporting experience who is familiar with the inner workings of D.C. They should be comfortable working with a diverse range of writers, capable of finding stories other outlets aren’t covering (or are too afraid to cover), comfortable reporting on various topics when need arises, and be enthusiastic about growing the section and covering D.C. We’re looking for a news-driven self-starter, ready to manage day-to-day coverage and help rebuild the section. The core duties:Setting the news section’s editorial vision: Defining coverage priorities, including managing the story budget, and assigning features.Editing and shaping copy: Substantive line editing, fact-checking, and polishing of stories ranging from hard-hitting investigations to the paper’s legacy local political coverage, including the Loose Lips column.Reporter mentorship: Providing constructive, consistent feedback to nurture staff writers and freelancers, helping them grow as public-facing local journalists.Headline and format optimization: Writing sharp, acerbic, and engaging headlines that suit the alternative-press ethos of City Paper, while balancing SEO requirements.Project leadership: Overseeing several of the paper’s annual “special issues,” including the Answers Issue and the People Issue, and working with the other editors for additional packages, such as Best of D.C., Pride, and the spring and fall arts guides. Collaboration with the paper’s editorial staff: Working with the audience engagement editor to help translate articles for social media; assisting the editor in crafting the daily and weekend newsletters, including spearheading our daily Needle update and rating. The requirements:At least three years of reporting/editing experience, with a demonstrated background in investigative or political journalismStrong editing and reporting skills and the ability to write in multiple stylesA robust knowledge of local politics and players, the mayor’s office, and the D.C. CouncilA positive attitude and a willingness to collaborate with colleaguesA sense of humor and an appreciation for irreverence and puns—both good and bad If this sounds like the job for you, apply by sending a resume, a cover letter, and three examples of your best work to smarloff@washingtoncitypaper.com. In your cover letter, please include a sentence or two about why you want to work at City Paper. Applications without a cover letter and examples will not be considered. The salary range for this position is $75,000–$80,000 based on factors including relevant experience, skills, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. We offer great health/dental/vision benefits, a generous PTO policy, and opportunities for professional development. City Paper is entirely remote, with mandatory monthly in-person meetings. Washington City Paper is committed to hiring and developing a diverse staff that reflects the communities we cover and aim to reach. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage members of historically underrepresented groups—including but certainly not exclusive to people of color, people with disabilities, and those who identify as queer or trans—to apply for this position. Find more job opportunities at https://washingtoncitypaper.com/job-opportunities/