Managing Editor, IRW

American University•Washington, DC

5d•$78,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Investigative Reporting Workshop (IRW), a nonprofit news organization based at American University, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Managing Editor to lead the production of ambitious, high-impact investigative journalism and help shape the future of the field. This senior leadership role is ideal for an editor who thrives at the intersection of editorial excellence, innovation, and mentorship. The ideal candidate is a calm, collaborative, and detail-oriented team player with the interpersonal skills to gain the trust of both students and seasoned investigative reporters. The Managing Editor will be responsible for overseeing daily newsroom operations, driving major reporting projects in collaboration with leading news organizations, and playing a central role in developing the next generation of investigative journalists while expanding the Workshop’s reach, partnerships, and impact. This is a unique opportunity to shape consequential journalism and invest in the future of the profession by defining editorial strategy, broadening the reach of investigative reporting, and ensuring the production and dissemination of vital, accountability-driven stories. Exceptional candidates with relevant skills that may not perfectly align with the stated description are encouraged to apply and share their unique qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
Substantial experience in investigative or enterprise journalism, with a track record of impactful, high-quality work.
Proven leadership in managing editors, reporters, and cross-functional teams on complex, deadline-driven projects.
Strong editorial judgment and the ability to elevate ambitious reporting to the highest standards.
Experience working collaboratively across organizations or in partnership-driven journalism.
Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing emerging journalists.
Fluency in digital storytelling, newsroom tools, and evolving industry practices.
A calm, collaborative, and detail-oriented team player with the people skills to earn the trust of both students and seasoned investigative reporters.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or equivalent.
Previous work at a nonprofit newsroom is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assign, edit, and fact-check stories.
Work closely with editors and reporters at publishing partners to ensure compliance with their standards of ethics and legal considerations.
Oversee those on contract for reporting, editing, design, and web development.
Approve any and all use of proprietary or subscription-based tools for work.
Collaborate with the data editor to ensure accuracy across all projects and stories.
Assure the highest standards of accuracy in all work, including content posted to social media, newsletters, internal and external emails and memos, and all correspondence.
Meet with visiting national and international journalists for workshops and informational interviews regarding nonprofit newsrooms, in conjunction with the executive editor.
Collaborate with the executive editor and operations manager on HR and day-to-day financials, and develop long-term options for growth and recruitment.
Develop ideas for stories to pitch to various co-publishing partners or potential new partners in investigative work, covering local to national topics in line with accountability reporting guidelines.
Work with interns and graduate fellows on pitching, editing pitches, and early drafts, and keep partner news organizations informed of progress.
Hire all interns, graduate fellows, and post-graduate fellows, including developing updated job descriptions, interviewing finalists, and working with the operations manager on onboarding.
Interview and hire freelance reporters and editors as needed.
Manage relationships with external professional partners in other newsrooms through frequent contact and updates; solicit feedback.
Develop new outlets and secure memorandums of understanding for engaging additional newsroom partnerships.
Create new contracts for those working in design, photography, web development, and related fields, in conjunction with the operations manager.
Develop tracking for multiple projects underway with various timelines and due dates for reporting memos, updated file/document/public-records tracking, and production deadlines to ensure all visual assets are available to both IRW and publishing partners.
Update ethical guidelines frequently regarding new and changing technologies.
Review quarterly stories and partnerships to decide whether and how best to continue, as some partnerships are ongoing and others are less frequent.