Music Section Editor

Job Description

The Portland Mercury is currently looking for a full-time Music Section Editor to join our small, dynamic, hard-working editorial staff. Are you a smart, thoughtful writer filled with passion, hustle, and the desire to share your love for—and critiques of—the Portland music scene? This is an excellent position for an engaging writer with deep knowledge of local and national music who believes that a strong arts scene makes for a stronger city. If you have experience and love for other areas of arts and culture (including food, nightlife, comedy, theater, film, books, visual art, and more), that’s even better. A degree in journalism isn’t required, but possessing basic reporting chops is a necessity. 

Job Requirements

• Snappy, smart writing paired with a passion for digging deep into the music scene and other areas of cultural significance. The ability to write about various music genres with respect and through research is required. At least two years of experience in culture writing is preferred, and special consideration will be given to those who have worked in a newsroom. 
• Must be familiar with, participate in, and have a deep knowledge of Portland’s vibrant, multi-faceted music scene. 
• Must be extremely organized and versatile, able to write longer reviews as well as short blurbs, and report on breaking music news. You should have the ability to devise and execute fresh story ideas with little to no hand-holding and adhere to deadlines. You will also be asked to write for and help produce our print products and contribute content to our weekly entertainment calendar. 
• Must possess exceptional grammar and style skills, and the ability to proofread your colleagues’ work.
• Also required: enthusiasm, professionalism, people skills, the ability to weather critical feedback from readers, and a good sense of humor! 
• At least two years of experience in culture writing is preferred, and special consideration will be given to those who have worked in a newsroom. 
• Previous editing experience is recommended, as well as the demonstrable ability to manage freelancers. 

This is a full-time, union position. Applicants should live in the Portland metro area or be able to relocate for the job. Ideally, you’ll have a familiarity with the area. Our general work schedule is Monday-Friday, but you will be asked to work some evenings and weekends. And just so you know, the Mercury is a really fun place to work with nice people who treat each other with respect.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer matching contributions
• Paid Time Off: 9 paid holidays, plus the week between December 24 through January 1, plus two floating holidays, and vacation starting at two weeks in your first year and increasing to four weeks after five years.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free health, wellness, and financial support services
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options to set aside pre-tax funds for medical, dependent care, and other expenses

Why Noisy Creek? 

Aside from being an equal opportunity employer, we’re also a vibrant, creative team that believes the more diverse voices that are at the table, the better the conversation—and the work! We realize not everyone has the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don’t meet all the qualifications above but still think you’d be a good fit, please consider applying. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities. If you want to be part of a team where your skills and ideas are valued, we want to hear from you! 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

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