Editor in chief

Job Description

Injustice Watch is seeking an Editor in Chief to lead our nonprofit newsroom. The ideal candidate is an experienced manager and editor with a track record of successful investigative work who can demonstrate an understanding of the way courts impact local communities. The Editor in Chief will forge a strategy for scrutinizing the Cook County court system, provide high-level direction and hands-on supervision to the editorial team, and work across departments to maintain a standard of excellence in our journalism that aligns with the organization’s mission.

 

Our Editor in Chief will:

 

• Lead the editorial team in developing and executing a clear editorial vision and strategy for investigative and public-service projects on issues of equity and justice in the court system.

• Edit stories, delegate responsibilities, and oversee all Injustice Watch projects to the highest journalistic standards.

• Build and maintain collaborative and strategic partnerships with other newsrooms to raise the visibility of our work. 

• Direct all newsroom operations, including developing a newsroom structure, supervising editorial team members; and providing budget oversight. 

• Lead hiring for our editorial team, ensuring that our newsroom staff reflects the diversity of Chicago and the communities we cover.

• Represent Injustice Watch by appearing at public forums, conferences, and other events and communicate with stakeholders, as needed. 

• Foster and maintain an equitable, collaborative, and inclusive newsroom culture.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for someone who: 

 

• Has at least five years of newsroom management experience and a track record of producing and editing impactful, community-centered journalism.

• Has extensive experience producing, editing, or overseeing large-scale investigative projects.

• Has a strong vision for journalism that is responsive to the people and communities most affected by the issues we cover.

• Is committed to building a caring work environment and culture by respectfully providing and accepting feedback, encouraging work-life balance, and providing steady and consistent mentorship.

 

While nothing below is a requirement, it’s a plus if you:

 

• Are knowledgeable about Chicagoland history, politics, institutions, and communities.

• Have experience covering the Cook County Circuit Court or other state court systems.

• Understand the complexities and challenges of digital security and source protection and can enforce best practices.

 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Directly supervises: Managing Editor; responsible for developing supervision structure for newsroom

Also works closely with: Audience Director, Development Director, and Operations Director

Time commitment: This is a full-time position based in Chicago. Our regular working hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Injustice Watch offers flex-time. While there is no regular requirement to work from our downtown office, employees are encouraged to use it, as needed, and required to attend some in-person meetings and events.

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