National Desk Editor, Christian Science Monitor

National Desk Editor, The Christian Science Monitor

Join to apply for the National Desk Editor, The Christian Science Monitor role at The First Church of Christ, Scientist

The National Desk Editor works with fellow US-based desk editors, bureau chiefs, and staff writers to help shape a robust body of U.S. news and features coverage for our daily digital output as well as our print magazine. As a key hub in a unified editorial content engine, the role is pivotal in producing content that demonstrates the Monitor’s unique and undivided approach to journalistic excellence.

This includes briefs for the app as well as print-first franchises and enterprise stories.

• Coordinate and edit coverage of issues across the spectrum, including politics, government, and social and cultural issues.
• Work with staff writers and freelancers to ensure coverage appropriate to the website, app, newsletters, and the print edition.
• Ensure writers have smooth travel, proper security arrangements, and compliance with the Monitor Ethics Policy.
• Maintain impartiality by not taking public positions on any political or public-issue campaign.
• Act as an original and enterprising thinker, with a keen eye for news and feature stories that capture societies’ governance, education, and creativity.
• Embrace newsroom culture pillars: scrappy, rigorous, and unwavering fidelity to our mission.
• Practice editorial rigor resulting in strong story angles and incisive writing.
• Engage collaboratively with other desk editors and managers.
• Meet productivity goals set by National News Editor and/or executive management team.
• Demonstrate mastery of basic CSM style and grammar and provide strong copy editing when needed.

College degree and at least 5 years of experience in journalism or comparable experience.

• Read widely, deeply, and regularly for subject knowledge and breadth of perspectives.
• Express sound news judgment reflecting consistent awareness of daily events.
• Have strong background or base knowledge of relevant subjects for context and proportion.
• Effectively communicate information and ideas, both in writing and orally.
• Respond quickly to writers and fellow editors, facilitating efficient pitch approval.
• Edit quickly and calmly on deadline, preserving and adding relevant facts and context.
• Possess strong fact-checking skills and a keen awareness of ethical considerations.
• Write compelling headlines and other display text in line with the Monitor’s sensitivities.

College degree and some editing experience, or at least 5 years of experience in journalism or comparable experience.

Experience with Google Suite applications (Google Docs, etc.), EZ Publish, social media platforms.

Three full days a week in the Boston newsroom. Remote work considered on a provisional basis. When not in person, it’s essential to always be quickly reachable during work hours.

Membership in The Mother Church is valued, but is not required. The National Desk Editor respects that, while the Monitor is not a sectarian publication, it is grounded in the healing mission of the Church that publishes it. The editor is receptive to developing a deeper understanding of how that mission informs and uplifts our journalism. For more background, see

$87,428 - $ annually

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.