Managing Editor

Forum Communications Company • Grand Forks, ND

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Grand Forks Herald has been the #1 trusted source of local news for Grand Forks, ND, East Grand Forks, MN, and the surrounding region since 1879, helping connect residents with the stories that shape their communities. Known for high-quality journalism, the Herald earned eight first-place awards from the North Dakota Newspaper Association in 2024 - including best use of social media - reflecting its commitment to engaging, impactful reporting. Grand Forks is a vibrant, growing community with a rich cultural and economic landscape. Home to the University of North Dakota, the region celebrates a truly legendary Fighting Hawks hockey legacy that brings the community together and draws attention from sports fans across the country. The local economy is strong and diversified, with expanding business sectors, a supportive entrepreneurial environment, and a revitalized downtown that has become a hub for commerce, entertainment, arts, and dining. With a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and a blend of college-town energy and small-city charm, Grand Forks offers an exceptional place to live, work, and grow. The Grand Forks Herald is part of Forum Communications Company, a fifth-generation, family-owned media organization with more than 20 publications across the Upper Midwest, collectively reaching more than 5 million readers each month.

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