Managing Editor

Forum Communications Company • Grand Forks, ND

14h • $50,000 - $62,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Managing Editor leads the day-to-day newsroom operation, guiding content strategy, execution, and performance across print and digital platforms. This role partners closely with the Executive Editor to shape editorial direction, ensure high-quality journalism, and deliver timely, relevant content that serves and grows the audience. The Managing Editor is both a strategic leader and hands-on editor, fostering a collaborative, innovative newsroom culture while driving accountability, audience engagement, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of newsroom experience, including editing and leadership responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to inspire, coach, and manage a high-performing team.
• Strong news judgment and deep understanding of journalistic ethics, AP style, media law (including libel), and public records practices (e.g., FOIA).
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align daily execution with long-term editorial and business goals.
• High level of digital proficiency, including content management systems, analytics tools, and social media platforms.
• Working knowledge of supervisory practices, employment policies, and performance management principles.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with multimedia storytelling and audience engagement strategies strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily newsroom operations, directing editorial staff and workflows to ensure timely, accurate, and impactful content delivery across all platforms.
• Supervise, coach, and develop newsroom employees, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and ongoing professional development.
• Serve as a hands-on “player-coach,” modeling strong journalism standards, editorial judgment, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with the Executive Editor to set editorial priorities, plan coverage, and respond to breaking news with urgency and accuracy.
• Oversee story budgeting, assignment, and execution to ensure alignment with audience interests and organizational goals.
• Edit complex and high-impact stories, guiding reporters to strengthen reporting depth, clarity, accuracy, and storytelling quality.
• Lead and contribute to enterprise and investigative reporting efforts across platforms.
• Drive audience growth and engagement by leveraging analytics, reader insights, and evolving digital best practices.
• Champion multimedia storytelling, encouraging the use of video, visuals, social media, newsletters, and emerging digital tools.
• Ensure consistent quality and cohesion across digital and print products, including coordination with production teams to meet deadlines and standards.
• Foster a positive and inclusive newsroom culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across departments and with external partners to support organizational goals and community engagement.
• Represent the organization in the community through events, partnerships, and public-facing opportunities.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager