Woodbury News Net is hiring its next editor
Woodbury News Net is seeking an editor for our evolving online news platform that is at the forefront of the national nonprofit, community-led, local news movement. This position is expected to change over time as resources grow and our newsroom and coverage expand. This is a part-time (20 hrs/week) position, with the potential to evolve to FT.
Our goal is to be the go-to source for local news and information by providing trustworthy journalism with meaningful content that is well-sourced, factual, and unbiased. The weekly email newsletter, The Roundabout, has grown from 100 to 3,000 subscribers since its launch nine months ago.
Responsibilities
The Editor will develop news coverage plans and assign reporting on essential topics and beats; oversee how stories are posted and updated in WNN’s digital assets; uphold WNN’s journalistic standards; and serve as a liaison with operations, outreach, and technology team leaders. The editor will oversee the growth and development of a team of reporters, writers, photographers, and other contributors as we add paid positions to our volunteer team. The Editor will become knowledgeable about Woodbury (Minnesota’s eighth largest city with more than 80,000 residents), be a visible part of the community, and develop a vital network of contacts to sustain WNN.
We’re looking for someone who is both a self-starter and a great collaborator, a journalist who can pivot quickly to address audience needs, who can go beyond the daily headlines and explain what the news means and who it will affect. By adding context, new voices and perspectives, and by uncovering trends and key developments, this reporter will improve Woodbury residents’ understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community and equip them to better engage with leaders and citizens in local government, nonprofits, business, and our diverse neighborhoods.
Skills & Qualifications
- Knowledge of and/or passion for nonprofit online local news startups like Woodbury News Net
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Journalism, Communications, English or related field
- Two years of ongoing news experience
- Exceptional writing, reporting, rewriting, and editing skills
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and cultural awareness, reflected in coverage of all members of the Woodbury community: all ages, racial and ethnic groups, faiths, socioeconomic groups, political views, etc.
- Effective leadership and personnel management skills — able to coach, inspire, and communicate ideas and facts. Ability to work with seasoned reporters, students, volunteers, and less-trained writers.
- Ability to multitask and work on deadline, turning stories quickly to maximize reach and impact
- Data literacy, especially with government data and documents
- Self-starting, proactive attitude and a track record of effective collaboration with colleagues
- An interest in community engagement and willingness to participate in occasional WNN and community events
- Ability to be present in Woodbury at various times and days of the week. Some travel may be needed for in-person reporting. While this is a remote position, applicants must commit to a willingness to travel to Woodbury regularly to effectively cover the news, create strong relationships with sources, and have a visible presence in the community.
- Proficiency in WordPress, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Beehiiv, and content management systems is a plus.
There are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who might hold important skills we haven’t listed. Don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.
Apply by sending your resume and three writing samples to info@woodburynewsnet.org.
Inquiries welcome.
