Politics Editor

Job Description

St. Louis Public Radio, an award-winning multimedia journalism organization and NPR member station, seeks an editor to lead and strengthen our coverage of politics and government across the St. Louis region, Missouri and Illinois. The Politics Editor plays a key role in shaping daily political news coverage while helping reporters pursue ambitious, deeply reported stories that hold elected officials and institutions accountable and give audiences the context they need to understand how government decisions affect their lives.

The Politics Editor supervises a team of four reporters and collaborates closely with other editors, reporters and producers across the newsroom. This editor also manages our Missouri Statehouse and Politics reporter, overseeing coverage from Jefferson City both during and outside of the legislative session. The ideal candidate will help set the newsroom’s political coverage priorities, including elections, state and local government, policy debates and the people and communities affected by political decisions.

This is an opportunity to join a deeply collaborative, award-winning newsroom of nearly 30 journalists, committed to excellence, innovation and public service. STLPR is recognized nationally for ambitious storytelling and is a founding member of the Midwest Newsroom, which focuses on enterprise and investigative reporting. Our reporting regularly airs nationally on NPR, Marketplace and other programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead STLPR’s coverage of politics and government across the St. Louis region, Missouri and Illinois.
• Develop and execute coverage plans for elections, legislative sessions, major political events and other significant developments, including coordination with editors and reporters across the newsroom. 
• Oversee STLPR’s Jefferson City reporting team and help coordinate coverage of Missouri state government and the legislature.
• Coordinate the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, working with the political team to develop timely, informative and engaging topics that provide audiences with context and perspective on Missouri and Illinois politics and policy.
• Edit broadcast scripts, web stories, and briefs for clarity, accuracy and consistency with STLPR’s editorial standards and voice.
• Supervise and edit stories from STLPR’s political reporting team, providing clear direction, regular feedback and support for professional development.
• Occasionally edit high-impact stories outside of your direct team, particularly when subject matter expertise or newsroom need arises.

Supervision Received

The Politics Editor reports to the Managing Editor of News.

Supervision Exercised

This position supervises a team of 4 reporters and may occasionally coordinate with interns or freelance contributors.

Location

This position is based in St. Louis. The Politics Editor must live in or relocate to the region. A moving allowance is available in applicable situations.

Application Instructions 

To apply for this position, visit the UMSL Careers site, Job ID: 61037.

In your application, please submit up to 3 samples of stories or projects that you have reported, edited or guided to completion. Explain your role in those stories or projects. Your application should also include a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and ideas for how St. Louis Public Radio’s newsroom can best serve the region’s residents.

If you have questions about the job or the application process, contact Rob Edwards, Managing Editor of News: redwards@stlpr.org.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of professional newsroom experience, with at least two years in an editing, producing or assigning role.
• Strong editing skills and a track record of improving clarity, structure and depth in others’ work.
• Proven ability to manage fast-moving news while maintaining accuracy and editorial integrity.
• Familiarity with a newsroom CMS, audio scripting formats, and AP Style.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working across teams.
• Strong organizational skills and comfort managing shifting priorities on deadline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience covering politics in Missouri and Illinois, with an understanding of legislatures in both states. 
• Familiarity with the St. Louis region and its communities.
• Comfort editing both audio and digital formats.
• Experience managing or mentoring reporters.
• Interest in contributing to the development of sustainable newsroom workflows.

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