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. This senior leadership role is 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 oversee daily newsroom operations, drive major reporting projects in collaboration with leading news organizations, and play 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, expanding 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 description are encouraged to apply.

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.
Exceptional candidates with important skills that do not precisely match the above description are welcome to apply and tell us about yourself.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day editorial operations, including assigning, editing, and fact-checking stories.
Work closely with editors and reporters at publishing partners to ensure compliance with their ethical and legal standards.
Oversee contract staff for reporting, editing, design, and web development.
Approve the use of proprietary or subscription-based tools for work.
Collaborate with the data editor to ensure accuracy across all projects and stories.
Maintain the highest standards of accuracy in all work, including social media, newsletters, emails, memos, and 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.
Conceive, assign, and edit complex investigative projects from pitch through publication.
Develop story ideas for pitching to co-publishing partners or potential new partners, covering local to national topics aligned with accountability reporting guidelines.
Work with interns and graduate fellows on pitching, editing early drafts, and keeping partner news organizations informed of progress.
Recruit, hire, and mentor student and early-career journalists, pairing them with partner newsrooms for high-level reporting collaborations.
Hire all interns, graduate fellows, and post-graduate fellows, including updating job descriptions, interviewing finalists, and working with the operations manager on onboarding.
Interview and hire freelance reporters and editors as needed.
Build and manage relationships with external partners, including freelance reporters, editors, and design/web development contractors.
Manage relationships with external professional partners in other newsrooms through frequent contact and updates, and solicit feedback.
Develop new outlets and secure memorandums of understanding for additional newsroom partnerships.
Create new contracts for those working in design, photography, web development, and related fields, in collaboration with the operations manager.
Oversee editorial budgets, timelines, and production workflows.
Develop tracking for multiple projects with various timelines and due dates for reporting memos, file/document/public-records tracking, and production deadlines to ensure all visual assets are available to IRW and publishing partners.
Ensure alignment between editorial output and the organization’s broader mission and strategic priorities.
Update ethical guidelines frequently regarding new and changing technologies.
Review quarterly stories and partnerships to decide on continuation strategies.