Editor-in-Chief

MemberSuite, Inc.; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development

Job summary

Asheville Watchdog seeks an Editor-in-Chief to lead its editorial direction and newsroom operations. The role reports to the Board and partners with staff to advance mission, growth, and public trust.

The Editor-in-Chief will safeguard independence, guide investigative reporting, manage the editorial budget, and hire and evaluate staff while communicating with the Board and community.

Qualifications

• Significant journalism experience with investigative or accountability reporting.
• Proven leadership experience supervising a newsroom or editorial team.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit journalism values and editorial independence.
• Excellent editorial judgment and commitment to ethical journalism.
• Strong communication, mentoring, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with local, regional, or state government reporting is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the editorial vision, priorities, and coverage strategy consistent with Asheville Watchdog’s mission.
• Develop and manage the editorial budget, using discretion to deploy resources to fulfill the journalistic mission.
• Uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness, and independence.
• Make final editorial decisions on all stories, investigations, and corrections.
• Oversee long-term reporting projects and investigative initiatives.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard for editorial vacancies and new newsroom positions within the budget.

Skills

Investigative journalism

Editorial leadership

Nonprofit journalism

Ethical standards

Staff supervision

Stakeholder communication

Tools

WordPress

CMS

Job description

The Editor-in-Chief is the full-time senior editorial leader of Asheville Watchdog. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors and works in close partnership with the board, Development Director, and staff to advance the organization’s mission, growth and sustainability, and public trust.

The Editor-in-Chief has full and exclusive responsibility for all editorial strategy, newsroom operations, and journalistic output. This role safeguards editorial independence, ensures the highest standards of accuracy and ethics, and leads the newsroom in producing impactful journalism for the communities Asheville Watchdog serves.

The Editor-in-Chief develops and manages the editorial financial budget approved by the board, performs employee evaluations, and determines salary and raises for editorial staff. The editor writes job descriptions, interviews candidates, and has hiring authority for editorial vacancies and new positions in accordance with the budget.

Asheville Watchdog, launched in 2020, is an award-winning, independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to producing rigorous, fair, and impactful journalism that holds powerful institutions accountable and informs the public in Buncombe County and surrounding communities. We focus on in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and explanatory coverage that serves the public interest.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial Leadership & Strategy

• Set and execute the editorial vision, priorities, and coverage strategy consistent with Asheville Watchdog’s mission
• Develop and manage the editorial budget, using his or her discretion to deploy resources as needed within that budget to fulfill The Watchdog’s journalistic mission
• Uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics, accuracy, fairness, and independence
• Make final editorial decisions on all stories, investigations, and corrections
• Oversee long-term reporting projects and investigative initiatives
• Ensure coverage reflects the needs, diversity, and concerns of Western North Carolina communities
• Be the chief spokesperson responding to all requests for comment about Asheville Watchdog editorial content.

Newsroom Management

• Oversee all newsroom operations, workflows, and editorial processes
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate reporters, editors, and other editorial staff
• Manage assignments, deadlines, and publication schedules
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing newsroom culture
• Recruit, hire, and onboard for all editorial vacancies and new newsroom positions in accordance with the budget

Board Relations & Accountability

• The Editor-in-Chief is a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and shall attend all duly called meetings of the Board of Directors and report to the Board on journalistic developments, newsroom priorities and performance, plans and risks, and any personnel issues material to the Board’s authority and responsibilities.
• Provide regular updates on newsroom output, impact, and challenges
• Advise the Board on issues related to press freedom, editorial ethics, and journalistic standards

Community Engagement & Impact

• Strengthen trust and engagement with readers, sources, and community partners
• Plan Watchdog-sponsored public events, working with the Development Director who oversees event logistics
• Participate in panel discussions and speak to community groups about The Watchdog and its journalism
• Help measure and communicate editorial impact

Qualifications

• Significant experience in journalism, with a strong background in investigative or accountability reporting and editing
• Proven leadership experience managing a newsroom or editorial team
• Deep understanding of nonprofit journalism values and editorial independence
• Excellent editorial judgment and commitment to ethical journalism
• Strong communication, mentoring, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with local, regional, or state government reporting is highly valued

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven news organizations
• Comfort working collaboratively with a business operations partner
• Ability to balance daily news demands with long-term investigative projects
• Commitment to transparency, public service, and community-centered journalism
• Familiarity with WordPress, Content Management Systems, and social media

Salary Range

$75,000 to $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Asheville Watchdog offers a competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision options)
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid schedule options
• Professional development and training opportunities

Reporting Structure

The Editor-in-Chief reports to the Board of Directors. The Editor-in-Chief has sole authority over editorial content and newsroom operations and resources.

Asheville Watchdog is anEqual Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.