WFAE Senior Editor (Immediate Opening)

Reports To:

Executive Editor / Digital Director

About WFAE
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.

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.

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