Managing Editor, California

State Affairs is the nation’s leading news and policy intelligence platform focused on state governments. We combine nonpartisan coverage of Statehouses across the country alongside state government data and AI-native tools into a singular platform. We inform and empower decision makers, policy professionals and citizens through our award-winning journalism and data – delivering profound insights to help our customers decode and act on state politics and policy.

We’re building a category-defining business that will reshape America as we strengthen visibility into what’s happening and why at the state level.

We are hiring a Managing Editor, California to join our team located in Sacramento, California.

• Ensure the delivery of compelling, relevant and accurate news stories to our readership
• Produce well‑thought out profiles of leading actors in state politics as well as an occasional enterprise story on the inner workings of state government, state government agencies, policy makers and other movers and shakers. This Managing Editor is able to turn around a well‑written and reported story on a tight deadline, if needed.
• Arrange interviews with government officials and others who can provide information about stories
• Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines
• Determine a story’s emphasis, length and format, and organize material accordingly
• Research and analyze background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information
• Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, social or other functions
• Pitch stories that are relevant to the local community
• Assist in developing and implementing editorial strategies to enhance audience engagement, increase readership and drive digital growth
• Elevate reporters’ stories by seizing opportunities for in‑depth enterprise stories, including those with statewide, and at times national, reach.
• Edit stories, graphics, pull quotes, info boxes, etc., for content, errors and libel, taking into consideration AP style and the in‑house style guide.

• 7+ years of professional work experience as a reporter or editor
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, or related field
• Prior professional work experience leading a team
• Knowledge of digital literacy and multimedia platforms and methods
• Knowledge of data‐based reporting
• Ability to meet deadline
• Ability to adhere to the journalism code of ethics
• Ability to be persistent in conducting research
• Ability to edit stories, graphics, pull quotes, info boxes, etc. for content, errors and libel, taking into consideration AP style and the in‑house style guide
• Ability to analyze and interpret metrics and use them to inform coverage decisions in real‑time and the long‑term
• Ability to communicate quickly and effectively with reporters to break news online and follow up when appropriate with more in‑depth enterprise pieces.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Prior professional work experience in government reporting
• Prior professional work experience in a start‑up organization

This is an in‑office work opportunity that operates most days out of the State Affairs office and California Statehouse in Sacramento, California. State Affairs offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to employees.

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $95,000 to $135,000 for candidates working from Sacramento, California. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with State Affairs.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future company sponsorship.

State Affairs is an equal opportunity employer and…