Editor

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Peoria (IL); Remote; USD 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Village Media is seeking five Editors to launch and lead local footprints in Illinois communities including Peoria. As Editor, you will be the lead reporter, strategist, and manager guiding daily coverage, shaping the local narrative, and mentoring reporters.

The role emphasizes independence, fairness, and trusted local information. Remote opportunity with residency in the designated community; compensation is $72,000 USD annually with a $2,000 performance bonus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in newsroom leadership with fairness and impartiality.
• Strong commitment to independent, objective storytelling.
• Solid understanding of digital publishing and audience analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead local coverage with a dynamic mix of breaking news and features.
• Uphold factual accuracy and nonpartisan reporting to earn community trust.
• Shape coverage strategy based on reader interests and community feedback.
• Highlight CARES initiatives and Community Conversations in collaboration with the Community Coordinator.

Skills

Newsroom leadership

Editorial strategy

Digital analytics

Mentoring

Nonpartisan reporting

Tools

CMS

Analytics tools

Job description

Do you believe that a well-informed community is a stronger community?

At Village Media Ltd., we don't just report the news, we maintain the digital town square. We believe that rigorous, independent, and nonpartisan journalism is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. We seek five visionary, high-energy Editors to launch and lead our footprint in each of these Illinois communities: Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Peoria, and Springfield. As Editor, you drive the editorial strategy, shaping the daily coverage that defines your community and reflecting the local narrative.

The Heart of the Newsroom

This is a leadership role for a storyteller who communicates the "big picture" while obsessing over the details. You are the lead reporter, strategist and practitioner addressing the community's most critical stories, while also serving as a manager and mentor to your reporters. You ensure your digital town square is the most trusted, vibrant, and essential source of local information, leading by example in the field and from the editor's desk.

What You Will Do:

• Local coverage - Provide editorial direction to your reporter(s) and ensure a dynamic mix of breaking news, deep-dive features and high-impact reporting that reflects the cultural and economic life of the community.

• Community trust - Serve as the guardian of the digital town square. You uphold the highest standards of factual accuracy, verification, and nonpartisan reporting, ensuring our coverage remains fiercely independent, fair, and trusted by all members of the community.

• Local interests - Understand what your readers care about most and shape your coverage strategy by leveraging digital metrics and community feedback.

• CARES Initiatives - Maintain local impact as the cornerstone of the digital town square, by partnering with our Community Coordinator to highlight CARES initiatives and Community Conversations.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Proven experience in newsroom leadership, with a "nose for news" and the judgment to handle sensitive local issues with fairness and strict impartiality.

• An unwavering commitment to journalistic independence and the ethical standards of objective, fact-based storytelling, with the ability to navigate diverse viewpoints without bias.

• A strong understanding of the mechanics of digital publishing and audience analytics.

• The ability to mentor others and a passion for helping journalists grow their skills.

• A deep insight into—or a strong willingness to immerse yourself in—the unique identities, leadership and culture of Western / Central Pennsylvania communities.

Compensation and Logistics

• Work Arrangement: Remote/Work-from-Home, with a strict requirement of residing within the designated community. Open to non-resident candidates willing to relocate to the designated community.

• Compensation: $72,000 USD per annum, plus eligibility for an additional performance bonus of $2,000 per annum.

• Hours: Generally, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, but as a newsroom leader, you understand that news doesn't always follow a 9-to-5 schedule.

About Village Media

Village Media is a leading digital media company dedicated to strengthening local communities through trusted journalism, technology, and civic engagement. Headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Village Media operates a growing network of local news publications and community platforms across Canada and the United States.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. We are committed to providing a working environment that honors the unique backgrounds and perspectives of every team member.