Managing Editor Job at San Francisco Standard in San Francisco

Overview

The San Francisco Standard is a local news startup that is fast becoming a must-read for residents of the Bay Area and beyond.

In support of our mission, we are seeking a curious and collaborative managing editor to oversee daily news coverage and lead editors and reporters in our newsroom to commit fun, sharp, and ambitious journalism that makes us even more of a must-read.

This managing editor will oversee our daily news report and work closely with section editors to make sure we shine on the news of the day while delivering storytelling that results in real‑world impact. They will play a key role in our efforts to innovate in the tone, techniques, and technology behind our journalism—all in service of creating a thriving local journalism outfit whose work resonates well beyond its home city.

We are looking for someone with a sharp eye for the great characters, power moves, injustices, absurdities, enterprises, eccentricities, and triumphs of San Francisco. Our ideal candidate has deep newsroom experience, great news judgment, a commitment to the highest ethical standards, and the imagination to engage with new approaches, tools, and processes.

We are looking for an organized newsroom leader who has proven experience managing teams and using data to drive decisions, understanding how to align the newsroom with the company’s overall strategy and business goals.

As a company that values diversity and inclusion, we encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

What you’ll do

• Plan, coordinate, and manage daily news operations in partnership with senior editors
• Top edit a portion of our daily coverage
• Work with the newsroom to set editorial ambitions, define coverage, and develop stories
• Lead large, complex projects that involve reporters, photographers, videographers, data journalists, and others
• Use data to understand our audience and their needs
• Cultivate positive morale and work with other editors on staff development and coaching efforts; provide regular and constructive feedback to staff
• Assist with recruiting top editorial talent
• Help develop new tools for internal use and new products for our audience
• Coordinate with marketing, events, and other departments outside the newsroom as needed
• Collaborate with product managers working to improve the digital experience of The Standard
• Represent The Standard on TV and radio and at community events, conferences, seminars, and professional meetings

Who you are

• Experienced in management/editing roles, preferably in daily news publications
• A track record of delivering high-quality journalism including investigative, narrative, explanatory, and breaking news
• Extensive knowledge of editorial processes, fact‑checking, and journalism ethics
• Excellent news judgment and ability to prioritize stories and make quick decisions
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with digital content management systems and social media
• A demonstrated ability to think both creatively and strategically
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues

Experience covering San Francisco, the Bay Area, and California news is a significant plus. Facility with AI tools and data analytics is a major positive. We also value Spanish and Cantonese language skills.

Where/when you’ll work

This role may require early morning, evening or weekend work. We are an in‑person newsroom; this is not a remote role. This position reports to the editor‑in‑chief.

Benefits & perks

• Competitive and equitable total compensation packages
• Target salary range of $180k–$200k
• Stock options program for full‑time employees
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• Professional development and training

Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and at least three work samples, including examples of work that you have edited. Provide an explanation of the role you played in guiding these works to publication, the challenges you and your team overcame, and any real‑world impact the journalism had.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value all aspects of diversity, and do not discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, veteran status, genetic information or disability. We are committed to hiring a diverse team, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.