Managing Editor

Now Kalamazoo, an independent, truly local, community news organization covering Kalamazoo County, Mich., is seeking a member of the editorial leadership team as we begin our second full year as an independent program of The Local Journalism Foundation of Kalamazoo County, a 501c3 nonprofit public charity, and fifth year producing journalism as part of a revival of the local news ecosystem.

Our organization is a start‑up and still very much building the plane/submarine/spaceship as we fly it, but we already have a track record of award‑winning journalism, successful grant applications, securing philanthropic funding, and earning the support of local readers.

We collectively wear many hats — continuously learning, doing, and experimenting in an entrepreneurial environment as we create the newsroom of the future. The right person will thrive by being curious, passionate, and empathetic while providing service to our audiences, in pursuit of excellent journalism, and collaborating with colleagues in our common mission.

This position reports to the Publisher of Now Kalamazoo and the co‑executive leadership team of The Local Journalism Foundation. The role has four key responsibilities:

• Running day‑to‑day storytelling operations: making sure the flow of community listening ➡️ ideating and selecting stories ➡️ assigning and reportage ➡️ editing and producing ➡️ delivering to the public is smooth and on time across all Now Kalamazoo editorial vehicles.
• Leading and managing a team that successfully executes impactful editorial projects.
• Participating in our continuous evolution toward ensuring all communities in Kalamazoo County have the best journalistic, civic, and resource information services possible, including LJF’s mission of building a local journalist talent pipeline.
• Managing freelance and staff journalists — including expanding the newsroom, professional development, and training — to meet current and future needs of a growing news operation that prioritizes diverse representation.

What this role should expect/will be expected to do: participate in every element of operations, from directing the tasks of reporters, photographers, editors, and other content creators, to helping experiment and create ideas to serve our audience and fulfil NK’s mission and help LJF achieve its vision for our community.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. People from historically marginalized communities, including socioeconomic status, are especially encouraged to apply, even if you don’t think you meet all of the requirements or candidate preferences.

• Have experience leading multiple individuals and/or teams simultaneously, while also working on multiple stories, projects, or deliverables.
• Be energized by and welcome the creative chaos both as a start‑up and creating a new way of doing community journalism.

• The position pays an annual salary range of $65,000-$80,000, along with a healthcare and retirement benefits package or an opt‑out bonus.
• The organization prides itself on flexible scheduling and a healthy work/life balance. This position receives 20 work days of paid vacation total, with no more than 10 continuous days, as well as the following federal holidays:
  New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
• To be successful, the position will require an average of 40 hours a week. Some weeks will be less because of work flows and the opportunities of the aforementioned flexible scheduling and work/life balance. Some weeks will more because of a story, project, or opportunity for our organization.
• We do not measure success by punching a clock in an arbitrary 9‑5. Instead, we are focused on deliverables that exceed our audience’s and supporters’ expectations. This may include evening or weekend hours, though this will be the exception not the norm, and depends on the editor’s usage of flexible…