The Maine Monitor seeks an Editor to lead and advance the digital news organization’s commitment to journalistic excellence, drive news strategy and quality across all platforms, and work with members of the community to encourage and facilitate dialogue and connection. The successful candidate has impeccable journalism credentials, possesses a keen knowledge of digital platforms, and is devoted to watchdog journalism, great storytelling, and community news. The Editor possesses high standards; is focused on the most important priorities and opportunities, and easily shifts between strategy and execution. Additionally, the Editor serves as a trusted strategic partner throughout the organization, and as a trustworthy leader across the State.
The Editor reports to the Executive Director of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting (MCPIR), which publishes The Maine Monitor, and works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of MCPIR to define strategic vision for The Maine Monitor.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the editorial team in developing and executing a strong editorial vision and strategy for public-service and investigative projects
- Uphold the highest standards and strongly support the First Amendment and execute investigative/watchdog journalism
- Work with reporters, interns and freelancers on stories from pitch to publication, including story ideation, structural and line edits, copy editing and fact-checking
- Occasional research and writing investigative and enterprise stories
- Build and maintain collaborative and strategic partnerships with other newsrooms and community organizations in coordination with the rest of the team
- Work closely with multimedia editor to ensure editorial stories, newsletters and website have impactful visuals and audience appeal to drive audience engagement
- Engage staff, community and leadership team to develop new strategies to grow our reach of local audiences across all delivery platforms
- Supervise the production, editing, and deployment of our email newsletters
- Identify, select and develop newsroom talent, and inspire the staff by providing meaningful feedback and creating opportunities for professional growth and achievement.
- Support the editorial team with the resources and guidance needed to execute on ambitious public-service and investigative journalism projects.
- Practice good stewardship with company resources, including prudent management of the newsroom operational budget.
- Facilitate strong statewide connections as an ambassador of The Maine Monitor and a leader in driving civic engagement.
- Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s diversity objectives, in problem solving, team building, recruiting, hiring and retention.
- Foster and maintain an equitable, collaborative, and inclusive newsroom culture.
- Track, report on and respond to assorted performance metrics.
- Collaborate across the organization and support The Maine Monitor in fundraising efforts, including participating in fundraising events and occasional editing of donor campaign materials.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has at least five years of newsroom leadership experience and a track record of producing and editing impactful, human-centered journalism.
- Is a collaborative editor, manager, and mentor who loves to champion and support the work of a team and has experience developing the skills of early career journalists.
- Has documented success building relationships across departments and with other newsrooms and community organizations.
- Has a strong vision for journalism that is responsive to the people and communities most affected by the issues we cover.
- Has knowledge of the State of Maine and the issues facing its residents from the coast to the rural woodlands.
- Is an organized, ambitious, and creative leader who can articulate and execute a vision.
- Is committed to building a caring work environment and culture by respectfully providing and accepting feedback, encouraging and modeling work-life balance, and embodying a growth mindset.
- Has great integrity and a strong moral compass
- Has a high level of individual initiative, including the ability to work with limited supervision, make deadlines, resolve practical problems independently, multitask and prioritize activities
- Has outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Has strong news judgment, organization and decision-making skills
Our ideal candidate will:
– Possess a strong working knowledge of digital media tools/platforms
– Be familiar with SEO and its principles
– Be comfortable using WordPress, Constant Contact, or similar tools
Compensation: $70,000 to $75,000 depending on experience, plus benefits
Approximate Start Date: January 8, 2024, date flexible
Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to micaela@themainemonitor.org no later than Monday, November 13.
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