Executive Editor - NEWSWELL Chicago

## Executive Editor - NEWSWELL Chicago Apply locations:
IL Remote time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition :
R1408#
** Executive Editor - NEWSWELL Chicago
** NEWSWELL Chicago publishes four deeply rooted local news organizations serving Chicago’s West Side and near western suburbs:
Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River  early 2026, NEWSWELL Chicago acquired these storied community newspapers. That transition brought new stability, expanded resources and renewed momentum to a trusted local news operation.

NEWSWELL Chicago seeks an ambitious, community-minded Executive Editor to lead one of the Chicago region’s strongest portfolios of local news organizations and help build what comes next.

This leader will oversee editorial strategy and day-to-day newsroom operations across NEWSWELL Chicago’s portfolio of trusted local publications, strengthening each title while building a more connected, impactful newsroom. The Executive Editor will be responsible for producing exceptional journalism, growing audience, deepening community engagement and helping shape the next chapter of local news in the communities we serve.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an editor with strong news judgment, excellent editing skills and a genuine belief in the power of community journalism. The Executive Editor will collaborate across teams, coach reporters, guide coverage priorities, edit news copy and serve as a visible ambassador in the communities we cover.

The Executive Editor will also play a meaningful role in audience development, newsletters, digital publishing, fundraising support and expansion initiatives as NEWSWELL Chicago continues to grow.
*** The pay rate for this role is*** ***$90-$120k**
* *** annually.
***** What you’ll do
*** Lead day-to-day editorial operations across NEWSWELL Chicago’s newsroom, setting priorities, managing workflows and maintaining a strong culture of accountability and excellence
* Direct editorial strategy across print, digital, newsletters and emerging platforms
* Assign, shape and edit stories with an emphasis on quality reporting, strong storytelling, fairness and accuracy
* Edit a significant volume of copy while maintaining high editorial standards and efficient production rhythms
* Recruit, manage, coach and develop newsroom talent, including reporters, editors, audience staff, fellows, interns and freelance contributors
* Oversee and collaborate closely with senior editorial and audience leaders, including the senior adviser/associate editor and senior audience manager
* Use analytics, listening and newsroom instinct to guide coverage decisions and better serve community information needs
* Represent NEWSWELL Chicago publicly at events and community gatherings and through partnerships and media appearances
* Collaborate with leadership on fundraising efforts, donor engagement, editorial impact reporting
* Help identify and develop opportunities to expand NEWSWELL Chicago’s reach, impact and editorial footprint
* Champion community journalism, strong newsroom values and an ambitious and collaborative culture
* Foster an inclusive, respectful and collaborative newsroom culture that values diversity, encourages belonging, empowers staff and celebrates both individual and team successes.
* Uphold and model NEWSWELL’s values of fairness, inclusion, transparency and trust, and promote civil, solutions‐minded public discourse through editorial decisions and leadership.
** Relevant qualifications
*** An experienced editor and newsroom leader with excellent news judgment
* A strong line editor who makes stories sharper, clearer and more impactful
* A thoughtful people manager who knows how to coach, challenge and support talent
* Audience-minded, digitally fluent and comfortable leading across platforms
* Comfortable balancing daily journalism demands with longer-range editorial strategy
* A visible and credible public representative for a newsroom
** Required education and experience
*** 10+ years of journalism experience, including meaningful newsroom leadership experience
* Strong editing background with…