Managing Editor, IRW

Investigative Reporting Workshop Managing Editor

The Investigative Reporting Workshop, a nonprofit news organization based at American University, seeks an experienced, dynamic Managing Editor to lead the production of ambitious, high impact investigative journalism and help shape the future of the field. This is a senior leadership role for an editor who thrives in the intersection of editorial excellence, innovation, and mentorship. We are interested in a calm, collaborative, and detail-oriented team player with the people skills to earn the trust of both students and seasoned investigative reporters.
The Managing Editor will oversee daily newsroom operations while driving major reporting projects in collaboration with leading news organizations. They will play a central role in developing the next generation of investigative journalists and expanding the Workshop's reach, partnerships, and impact. This is a rare opportunity to shape consequential journalism while investing in the future of the profession. The Managing Editor will help define editorial strategy, expand the reach of investigative reporting, and ensure that vital, accountability-driven stories are produced and seen.
Essential Functions:
Lead day-to-day editorial operations
Help to conceive, assign, and edit complex investigative projects from pitch through publication
Recruit, hire, and mentor student and early-career journalists, pairing them with partner newsrooms on high-level reporting collaborations
Build and manage relationships with external partners
Oversee editorial budgets, timelines, and production workflows
Ensure alignment between editorial output and the organization's broader mission and strategic priorities
Competencies:
Acquiring and analyzing information
Prioritizing and organizing
Displaying creativity
Supporting coworkers
Acting ethically and with integrity
Serving customers
Supporting a diverse and inclusive community
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time
35 hours per week
This position is in person and eligible for Hybrid 1 schedule (on-campus 3 - 4 days per week)
Location is at the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University School of Communication (SOC) in Washington, D.C.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding
Salary Range:
$78,000.00 - $90,000.00 annually
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
5 - 8 years of relevant experience
Substantial experience in investigative or enterprise journalism, with a track record of impactful, high-quality work
Proven leadership in managing editors, reporters, and cross-functional teams on complex, deadline-driven projects
Strong editorial judgment and the ability to elevate ambitious reporting to the highest standards
Experience working collaboratively across organizations or in partnership-driven journalism
Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing emerging journalists
Fluency in digital storytelling, newsroom tools, and evolving industry practices
A calm, collaborative, and detail-oriented team player with the people skills to earn the trust of both students and seasoned investigative reporters
Exceptional candidates with important skills that do not precisely match the above description are welcome to apply and tell us about yourself
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree or equivalent
Previous work at a nonprofit newsroom is a plus
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and links to at least three recent stories you have produced or edited
Employees in the School of Communication are required to work on campus in a full presence modality for the first month of their employment
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details:
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university
American University is an E-Verify employer
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.