Newspaper Managing Editor Job at Morganton Media Group in Morganton

THE PAPER IS HIRING!

Contact Info: Angela Kuper Copeland, Editor, 828-445-8595, angela@thepaper.media

Right on schedule, as our third year in publication approaches and having been honored with 50 state and national journalism excellence awards, The Paper (www.thepaper.media) is beginning its formal management succession plan.

This strategy, developed before the first publication on Feb. 4, 2023, is part of the process to ensure sustainability for decades as the leading source of thorough local news in Burke County and its communities.

Currently The Paper is the print and digital newspaper of record throughout Burke County. With a staff of five news and sports reporters, two advertising executives, a photographer, a design and layout associate, and a management team led by a publisher, an editor, and an editor emeritus/co-founder, The Paper has emerged as a national model for local news organizations.

The Paper is independent, locally owned and operated. It publishes a weekly, two-section, 24-page broadsheet newspaper and maintains a robust, daily updated digital presence. Every editorial and advertising team member, from publisher to editor to reporter to advertising executive, has been recognized with North Carolina Press Association awards.

The Paper itself, as a comprehensive local news publication, has received the coveted General Excellence Award by both the NC Press Association and the National Newspaper Association organizations.

If you are the journalism professional seeking a destination to advance you career in management, The Paper could be for you.

The Paper is seeking a MANAGING EDITOR. The qualified candidate will present the demonstrated characteristics that enable the Managing Editor to become part of the management succession plan.

Position Details:

Title: Managing Editor

Start Date: 2026

Base Salary: TBD, based on experience

Location: On site, Morganton, NC

This position requires flexibility for occasional weekend and night duties. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily newsroom operations, including workflow, assignments, and deadlines


• Supervise and coach reporters, helping them grow in reporting, writing, sourcing, and beat coverage


• Edit stories for clarity, accuracy, structure, and adherence to style


• Ensure quality and consistency across all platforms, including print, web, newsletters, and social media


• Monitor community issues, events, and trends to ensure relevant and timely coverage


• Represent the newsroom in the community, building trust with readers, sources, and stakeholders

Inquiries and resumes to Angela Kuper Copeland, Editor, angela@thepaper.media, 828-445-8595

About Morganton Media Group, LLC (MMG) dba The Paper:

Founded in August 2022, Morganton Media Group, LLC, operating as The Paper, was founded to fill the critical need for a dedicated local source of accountable community news in the face of declining local coverage. It launched February 4, 2023, as a weekly print and digital newspaper. The Paper has swiftly emerged as the go-to destination for local news and information in Burke County. Committed to covering local residents, schools, businesses, activities, amenities, and governments, The Paper prides itself on its professional editorial staff's ability to deliver trustworthy, relevant, and compelling journalism. Operating with the support of two 501(c)3 foundations, The Paper's revenue streams include subscriptions, advertising, and philanthropic contributions.

Salary/Compensation: $40,000 - $50,000 per year