National Association of Black Journalists is hiring: Publication Editor in Kalam

Local Journalism Foundation of Kalamazoo County
Reid Williams
Contact Email: connect@nowkalamazoo.org
315 W Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States 49007

Web: nowkalamazoo.org

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States

Postal Code: 49007

Job Category: Online | New Media

Employment Type: Full time

Salary: 65000-80000 USD per year

Posted: 02.04.2025

Job Description

NowKalamazoo, an independent, truly local, community news organization covering Kalamazoo County, Mich., is seeking a member of the editorial leadership team as we begin our second full year as an independent program of The Local Journalism Foundation of Kalamazoo County, a 501c3 nonprofit public charity, and fifth year producing journalism as part of a revival of the local news ecosystem.

This position reports to the Publisher of NowKalamazoo and the co-executive leadership team of The Local Journalism Foundation. The role has four key responsibilities:

• Running day-to-day storytelling operations: making sure the flow of community listening, ideating and selecting stories, assigning and reportage, editing and producing, delivering to the public is smooth and on time across all NowKalamazoo editorial vehicles.
• Leading and managing a team that successfully executes impactful editorial projects.
• Participating in our continuous evolution toward ensuring all communities in Kalamazoo County have the best journalistic, civic, and resource information services possible, including LJF’s mission of building a local journalist talent pipeline.
• Managing freelance and staff journalists — including expanding the newsroom, professional development, and training — to meet current and future needs of a growing news operation that prioritizes diverse representation.

Position Terms & Compensation

• The position pays an annual salary range of $65,000-$80,000, along with a healthcare and retirement benefits package or an opt-out bonus.
• The organization prides itself on flexible scheduling and a healthy work/life balance. This position receives 20 work days of paid vacation total, with no more than 10 continuous days, as well as the following federal holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
• To be successful, the position will require an average of 40 hours a week. Some weeks will be less because of work flows and the opportunities of the aforementioned flexible scheduling and work/life balance. Some weeks will be more because of a story, project, or opportunity for our organization.
• We do not measure success by punching a clock in an arbitrary 9-5. Instead, we are focused on deliverables that exceed our audience’s and supporters’ expectations. This may include evening or weekend hours, though this will be the exception not the norm, and depends on the editor’s usage of flexible scheduling options.
• The role allows for work-from-home capability throughout any given week, as well as extended work-from-out-of-town flexibility, though the majority of the role requires in-person involvement – both at the office and out in the community – in order to be successful.
• The person hired is required to live within Kalamazoo County and may invoice for reimbursement of up to $5,000 in moving costs.

Roles/Tasks:

• Develop, lead, organize, and oversee individuals and teams who are carrying out the editorial objectives of NowKalamazoo.
• Represent the journalistic and editorial mission interests of NowKalamazoo in both internal and external meetings, standing and ad hoc, as determined by leadership.
• Work closely with the NowKalamazoo leadership team to ensure editorial operations and deliverables are in line with content and impact strategies.
• Participate in non-editorial elements of NowKalamazoo operations as part of a “hive mind” approach to maximizing success across all elements of the organization.
• As necessary, conduct reporting and other journalism.

To apply: Please send a resume/CV, references, and any additional, tightly-written details you’d like to share about yourself as it relates to this position, to workwithus@nowkalamazoo.org. This position is open until filled.

Job Requirements

You are more qualified than you think.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. People from historically marginalized communities, including socioeconomic status, are especially encouraged to apply, even if you don’t think you meet all of the requirements or candidate preferences.

Preferred candidates will:

• Have experience leading multiple individuals and/or teams simultaneously, while also working on multiple stories, projects, or deliverables.
• Be energized by and welcome the creative chaos both as a start-up and creating a new way of doing community journalism.