Senior Editor - Investigative Reporting Workshop

American University; Washington; On-site; USD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University in Washington, DC, seeks an experienced Managing Editor to lead ambitious investigative journalism and mentor reporters, balancing editorial excellence with innovation and collaboration.

This senior role oversees day-to-day newsroom operations, helps conceive major projects, partners with top newsrooms, and shapes editorial strategy to expand the Workshop’s reach and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Substantial experience in investigative/enterprise journalism.
• Proven leadership in managing editors, reporters, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to elevate reporting to high standards.
• Experience working collaboratively across organizations or in partnership-driven journalism.

Responsibilities

• Lead Day-to-Day Editorial Operations: assign, edit, fact-check, ensure ethical standards.
• Conceive, assign, and edit complex investigative projects from pitch through publication.
• Recruit, hire, and mentor student and early-career journalists; pair with partner newsrooms.
• Build and manage relationships with external partners; secure new partnerships and contracts.
• Oversee editorial budgets, timelines, and production workflows; ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Editorial judgment

Mentoring

Project coordination

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

The Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University in Washington, DC, seeks an experienced Managing Editor to lead ambitious investigative journalism and mentor reporters, balancing editorial excellence with innovation and collaboration.

This senior role oversees day-to-day newsroom operations, helps conceive major projects, partners with top newsrooms, and shapes editorial strategy to expand the Workshop’s reach and impact.