Managing Editor

AAJA24; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CommonWealth Beacon in Massachusetts seeks a Managing Editor to lead original journalism on policy, politics, and civic life. You will oversee the newsroom’s copy flow, collaborate with reporters to develop story ideas, and edit long‑form and breaking pieces for publication.

The role reports to the editor of CommonWealth Beacon. In‑person work is expected at least 3 days a week, with responsibilities including newsletters, social copy review, and audience growth planning, while upholding

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of journalism experience.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts politics and policy, especially the State House.

Responsibilities

• Edit staff reporters and oversee daily copy flow.
• Collaborate with reporters to develop story ideas and support reporting progress.
• Edit long-form and breaking news pieces for publication.

Skills

Editing

News judgment

Strong written skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The managing editor at CommonWealth Beacon is responsible for producing original journalism on policy, politics, and civic life in Massachusetts.

The managing editor will oversee the daily flow of copy for the newsroom, collaborating closely with reporters to develop story ideas, support reporting progress, and edit both long‑form and breaking news pieces for publication. The managing editor will assist the administrative team in building out business strategy and share in the editing of the Daily Download and Saturday Send newsletters, review copy for social posts, and identify areas of coverage expansion.

This position reports to the editor of CommonWealth Beacon.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop coverage priorities and topics to increase impact and meet the needs of our audience
• Edit staff reporters
• Work with the administrative team to execute audience development plans, event planning, and other business‑side tasks
• Serve as lead editor of the Download and Saturday Send newsletters, and any others that may be launched
• Liaise with the digital producer to review copy and ensure social assets are delivered on time

Performance Expectations

• Ensure deadlines are met and uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and ethics
• Attend staff meetings regularly to coordinate coverage and share feedback
• Work in‑person at least 3 days a week, coordinating with events, interviews, and other reporting activities that may take place outside of the office
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the newsroom by sharing feedback, ideas and learning from other peer newsrooms and networks

Core Skills and Competencies

• Strong eye for editing in‑depth, long‑form feature articles and fast‑paced breaking news
• Excellent written skills, translating complex public policy issues into digestible and compelling stories
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Well‑developed news judgment
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Understanding of the Massachusetts political and policy landscape, core institutions, and key players
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with staff, sources, and external partners

Qualifications

A successful candidate for this position will have:

• At least 6-10 years of experience in journalism
• Familiarity with Massachusetts politics and policy, especially covering the State House
• Familiarity with a range of issues, including housing, transportation, energy, environment, and politics
• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field

The following qualifications are desired, but not required:

• Experience in other mediums of journalism, including audio, video, data journalism & visualization, among others
• Familiarity with using newsletter and website publication platforms
• Familiarity with the nonprofit news landscape, especially locally in New England

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $90,000 – $110,000 per year. MassINC, the publisher of CommonWealth Beacon, provides a full suite of benefits including health care with HRA, dental insurance, 401(k) with 6% company match, FSA and DCA, unlimited paid time off, generous parental leave, and 13 paid holidays throughout the year, among other benefits.

Reasonable adjustments for remote work or hours outside of normal business hours may be required to keep pace with the news cycle, attend relevant events, and coordinate with the newsroom.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MassINC is an equal‑opportunity employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion are critical to our workforce and to our mission of moving Massachusetts forward. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.