Editor, Washington State Standard

Since it launched in 2023, the Washington State Standard has established itself as the leading source for nonpartisan state legislative, political and policy news. We are looking for a new editor-in-chief to build on that growth for an even bigger future.

States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, is seeking an experienced journalist to lead the award-winning Washington State Standard into its next era.

Washington State Standard helps readers understand how state government works and how decisions made by those in power affect people living and working in the Evergreen State. Our stories shed light on how the state is spending tax dollars, implementing laws and carrying out major projects. Readers count on us for the latest on all the action in Olympia.

Part of States Newsroom, Washington State Standard believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do impactful, ambitious work. With an eye on critical government stories from Olympia, our reporting focuses on the Legislature, governor’s office, state agencies, elections and other assignments.

The editor-in-chief will oversee the talented team of three reporters and a dynamic website, produce a daily newsletter and continue to build the outlet’s social media presence. The editor-in-chief will work closely with States Newsroom and network peers in 38 other states and Washington, D.C. to share best practices and build relationships that help refine the outlet’s operations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and hire journalists to provide daily news coverage and enterprise reporting on major state policy and political stories

• Edit and sometimes write major state policy and political stories

• Produce a daily morning newsletter with news readers need for the day

• Work with audience staff to achieve consistent engagement across newsletters and emerging social platforms

• Develop and distribute original content, including video, to drive area news coverage

• Solicit editorial content from local contributors for a Washington-focused opinion section

• Participate in weekly calls and periodic visits with national editor(s) as well as regular meetings of all States Newsroom editors

• Assure regular social media posts promoting local and national articles

• Manage donor relations and organize fundraising efforts with assistance from States Newsroom’s headquarters
  
  

The editor-in-chief will have funding for staffing, freelancers, technology and overhead expenses. Technical, marketing and editorial support are provided by our headquarters office.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPENSATION

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of professional reporting and/or editing experience, an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep knowledge of Washington’s political history and media landscape. Successful candidates will have:

• Previous management experience

• Strong news judgement and a keen eye for what competitors are missing

• Familiarity with AP style

• Commitment to building a constructive and productive newsroom culture

The minimum salary for a state editor is $95,000 and rises with experience. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees (and 75% of medical premiums covered for qualified dependents)

• 4 weeks of vacation per year

• 2 weeks of personal leave per year

• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year

• 11 paid holidays per year

• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement

• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years

• $75 monthly fitness benefit

• 401K with up to 3% match

• 12 weeks of parental leave

• Full-service EAP

Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of hire.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels – from quick hits to investigative – but we also aim to be supportive, welcoming, and positive.

We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat. States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission.

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and at least three links or clips to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of emails received, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually.