AAJA25 is hiring: Partnerships Editor in Paonia

Partnerships Editor Location: Paonia, Colorado, United States Employment Type: Full time Salary: 73,581-81,329 USD per year Posted: 03.25.2026 Job Description The Partnerships Editor will oversee and expand collaborations with other media outlets, including the newly formed Western Environmental Reporting Collaborative. The role involves recruiting and retaining partner newsrooms, planning coverage, supporting and editing journalists’ work to broaden public engagement on land and water, climate and conservation, and human and natural communities of the Western United States. This key member of the Editorial department will coordinate and manage writers embedded in partner newsrooms, delivering smart short‑form news and analysis in service to diverse regional communities. The position works closely with senior editorial staff and partners. Responsibilities Establish and manage collaborative partnerships, including the Western Environmental Reporting Collaborative. Foster relationships with leaders at local and statewide news organizations across 12 Western states. Develop and oversee special partnership initiatives to meet reader needs and generate impactful coverage. Manage reporter workloads and workflows across partner newsrooms. Coordinate with other editors to fill coverage gaps with regional stories grounded in communities. Collaboratively assign and edit stories for publication in various media at High Country News. Consider pitches, acquire/assign and edit approximately five web‑first news stories monthly from partner newsroom reporters. Serve as a key editor for content co‑reported or co‑published with partner publishers. Facilitate and approve proposed edits to HCN stories for republication via partner channels. Identify and upload stories for republication that complement HCN’s coverage and meet journalistic standards. Promote content sharing and project collaborations with media outlets to reach wider audiences. Contribute to weekly news meetings with the News and Investigations Editor. Optimize stories for digital publication on hcn.org, newsletters, and social media. Facilitate republishing of HCN through outreach to partners and stakeholders. Consider reader behavior when assigning stories to satisfy expectations. Attend editorial, story, and lineup meetings, offering input on how HCN can provide valuable insights about life in the West. Participate in and occasionally host public appearances, panels, talks, dinners, and receptions to promote HCN’s work. Actively promote diversity by recruiting partner organizations serving diverse communities and supporting reporting on underrepresented groups. Foster a positive work environment through respectful and professional interactions. Supervisory duties may be added to this role. Compensation and General Terms This full‑time, exempt position offers employer‑funded medical benefits for employees, optional dental and vision benefits, paid vacation starting at 12 days per year, 11 paid holidays, paid sick and family leave, “TK Time” – one paid half‑day off per month, a monthly remote work stipend, an IT start‑up stipend, and eligibility for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match. A salary in the range of $73,581 to $81,329 annual equivalent is dependent on skills and experience. The role is remote; candidates must reside in or be willing to move to a Western state. How to Apply Complete the online application at https://airtable.com/appE4tl7MKSBjPnMv/shrKzrFWWhPMRM4Or and include a resume and cover letter. Optional: attach or link examples of work. Closing date for applications is April22,2026. Employee Resource & Diversity Statement High Country News welcomes applicants from all life experiences and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, and people with disabilities. HCN is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among staff, volunteers, programs, and partners; and to creating a safe, supportive and accommodating work community. HCN is an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Background High Country News is the nation's leading independent source of thoughtful, in‑depth reporting on the Western United States. Established in 1970, HCN produces an award‑winning monthly magazine and a popular website, along with email newsletters and events. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, its mission is to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West’s diverse natural and human communities. Job Requirements Skills and Experience: Passion for HCN’s mission and values, exceptional organizational and communication skills, a sharp editing eye, creative thinking about challenges and solutions, a strong sense of how to shape news assignments for digital platforms, and a commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in journalism and workplace culture. #J-18808-Ljbffr