Description
WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR station, is an award-winning, multiplatform newsroom (radio, digital, podcasts, and live events) committed to delivering high-quality local news and engagement that meets the needs of our diverse community. Our mission is to deliver journalism that informs, engages, and inspires. Our vision is to help create a more knowledgeable and engaged community grounded in our shared humanity.
Position Overview
WFAE is seeking a sharp, detail-oriented, and versatile Senior Editor to serve as a critical newsroom leader. This role is responsible for co-producing daily news, long-form stories, special projects, and features across both broadcast and digital platforms. The ideal candidate possesses impeccable news judgment, a drive to break news, and an unshakeable commitment to accuracy and fairness.Additionally, this leader will think creatively about audience development and cross-platform reach.
The Senior Editor does not just manage copy and audio; they are a mentor who works closely with reporters to develop their ideas, elevate their storytelling, and grow their professional skills.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership & Copy Editing: Partner with the Executive Editor and Digital Director to manage and distribute daily editing duties for WFAE’s broadcast station, website, social media platforms, and newsletters.
Content Planning: Produce a daily rundown of news stories for WFAE and news partners; help develop and maintain a weekly master plan of station content.
Team Management & Coaching: Share supervisory responsibility for reporters, newscasters, digital producers, and hosts, providing constructive feedback to elevate their work.
Project Management: Direct and shape long-form features, investigative pieces, and special series, particularly around major events like elections.
Cross-Trained Broadcast Support: Regularly cross-train and fill in for vital broadcast operations. This includes occasionally hosting Morning Edition or All Things Considered, producing broadcast spots, and training to guest-host Charlotte Talks or join the Friday news roundup rotation.
Collaborative Partnerships: Coordinate with regional public media partners (including other North Carolina public radio stations) to share coverage and coordinate major news events.
Cross-Departmental Communication: Maintain seamless internal communication across distributed, hybrid teams (producers, hosts, and digital creators) to keep the newsroom in sync.
Administrative Management: Handle routine administrative duties for direct reports, including time-off tracking, payroll approvals, holiday scheduling, and annual performance evaluations.
Desired Skills & Qualifications
Core Journalism Expertise: Extensive experience with AP Style and copy editing, paired with exceptional, instinctive news judgment.
People Management: Proven ability to lead, manage, and coach creative professionals, with a genuine desire to develop reporter talent.
Project Leadership: Experience guiding long-term, complex multimedia journalism projects from conception to completion.
Technical Adaptability: Experience with (or a strong willingness to learn) audio editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, Audacity).
Digital Literacy: A solid understanding of digital media workflows and social media analytics to help guide audience development.
Forward-Thinking Mindset: A willingness to ethically experiment with emerging technologies, including AI, to streamline newsroom workflows.
Broadcast Experience (Preferred): Prior experience in a live broadcast environment is a plus.
Requirements
Desired Skills & Qualifications
Core Journalism Expertise: Extensive experience with AP Style and copy editing, paired with exceptional, instinctive news judgment.
People Management: Proven ability to lead, manage, and coach creative professionals, with a genuine desire to develop reporter talent.
Project Leadership: Experience guiding long-term, complex multimedia journalism projects from conception to completion.
Technical Adaptability: Experience with (or a strong willingness to learn) audio editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, Audacity).
Digital Literacy: A solid understanding of digital media workflows and social media analytics to help guide audience development.
Forward-Thinking Mindset: A willingness to ethically experiment with emerging technologies, including AI, to streamline newsroom workflows.
Broadcast Experience (Preferred): Prior experience in a live broadcast environment is a plus.
What We’d Like to See (Application Requirements)
A brief statement of interest (Cover Letter).
A comprehensive resume detailing your editorial and leadership experience.
Examples of your writing and news coverage.
