Executive Editor, California magazine

Position Overview

California is an editorially independent magazine published by the non‑profit Cal Alumni Association. Founded in 1895, it reports on the world of UC Berkeley and beyond. The magazine is published quarterly in print and maintains an active digital presence across channels including The Edge podcast, website californiamag.org, The Telegraph newsletter, and social media, and produces California Live!, a quarterly live event.

The Executive Editor is an experienced editorial leader who works closely with the Editor-in-Chief to shape and execute the magazine's editorial vision. This hands‑on editing role requires a seasoned journalist who brings a network of potential contributors, manages stories from pitch to final draft, cultivates relationships with writers and sources, and helps run a small editorial team. The Executive Editor will handle day‑to‑day editorial responsibilities, freeing the Editor-in-Chief to focus on story prospecting, campus relationships, and long‑term planning for the magazine's mission.

Editorial independence is a core value of California magazine. Candidates should be prepared and excited to work in an environment where that independence is exercised with conviction.

Candidates must be based in the Bay Area. Work is done remotely but Cal Alumni Association employees work from the office twice a week. The Cal Alumni Association is located on the UC Berkeley campus in Berkeley, CA.

The Executive Editor reports to the Editor-in-Chief.

The position is located in Berkeley, CA at the Alumni House on the University of California, Berkeley campus. Work hours align with traditional business hours. The position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule in line with job duties and business needs, with some time working in the office and some time working remotely each week. Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to support CAA and campus events.

Remote work must be performed in the state of California.

This is an at‑will, full‑time, exempt position. The pay range is $100,000 to $120,000 annualized. The role is eligible to participate in healthcare benefits, a retirement plan with company match, and generous vacation and holiday time off. CAA staff, while not University of California employees, are eligible for many UC Berkeley staff programs, professional development and networking opportunities, and discounts on campus.

• Commission, assign, and edit features, profiles, and front‑of‑book stories for the print magazine, working closely with the Editor-in-Chief on editorial direction and story development.
• Serve as lead editor on multiple features per issue, managing contributors from assignment through final draft.
• Assist the Editor-in-Chief with final edits on major pieces.
• Oversee and maintain editorial quality across platforms.
• Manage and mentor the editorial staff, including the Senior Editor and Associate Editor.
• Collaborate with the Managing Editor on production scheduling and workflow.
• Attend and support quarterly California Live! events and assist with programming.
• Report and write occasionally, as needed.

• Minimum seven to ten years of experience in journalism or magazine editing, with a strong portfolio of edited long‑form work.
• Exceptional editing skills across narrative, investigative, profiles, Q&A, and criticism styles.
• Demonstrated ability to work with writers at all levels, from early‑career to established journalists.
• Sound news judgment and a commitment to journalistic ethics, including editorial independence.
• Familiarity with fact‑checking protocols and legal considerations in publishing.
• Ability to manage multiple stories and contributors simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Curiosity across a wide range of subjects – science, technology, arts, athletics, policy, and culture.
• Proficiency with Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat, and standard editorial tools.
• Flexibility to accommodate occasional evening and weekend commitments, particularly during production cycles.
• Must submit to and pass driving record, consumer report, and FBI/DOJ fingerprint background investigations.

• Knowledge of UC Berkeley, its history, culture, and academic community.
• Interest in and familiarity with college athletics.
• Curiosity about and familiarity with tech and science topics.
• Experience creating and managing social media for a publication or organization.