Organization: Cleveland Jewish Publication Company
Position Summary
The Cleveland Jewish News, a publication of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company (CJPC), seeks an experienced, thoughtful and community-minded Editor-in-Chief to lead the editorial vision, content strategy and day-to-day news operations of the Cleveland Jewish News and its digital platforms.
Selected as one of Editor & Publisher Magazine’s “10 News Publishers That Do It Right” and Editor & Publisher’s 2025 “Media That Matters,” the CJPC combines community news coverage with breaking news across multiple daily and weekly e-newsletters, award-winning websites and a growing podcast platform. The CJPC is led by an award-winning leadership team and is one of the few independent Jewish news organizations in the United States.
The Editor-in-Chief will serve as the principal editorial leader for the Cleveland Jewish News, helping ensure that the organization continues its more than six-decade tradition of providing accurate, timely, relevant and engaging journalism to the Jewish community and the broader Northeast Ohio community.
The Editor-in-Chief also will have editorial oversight of the Akron Jewish News, which publishes eight times annually in partnership with the Akron Jewish community, as well as other company-owned publications. The Editor-in-Chief will work with contributors, community sources and CJPC staff to ensure that the Akron Jewish News reflects the interests, news and voices of the Akron Jewish community and surrounding area.
The ideal candidate is an accomplished journalist and editor who understands the importance of local community journalism, has strong news judgment, embraces a diversity of viewpoints and can balance the responsibilities of print journalism with the demands and opportunities of a digital-first news organization.
- Lead the editorial direction and content strategy of the Cleveland Jewish News across print, digital, social media, newsletters and other CJPC platforms.
- Establish and maintain high journalistic standards for accuracy, fairness, clarity, balance and timeliness.
- Serve as the primary decision-maker on news coverage, story assignments, placement, headlines and editorial priorities.
- Identify important stories, emerging issues, community trends and individuals whose voices and experiences should be represented.
- Maintain the publication’s role as a trusted, independent and nonpartisan source of news and information while encouraging a broad range of perspectives.
- Oversee breaking news coverage and ensure appropriate coordination between editorial, digital and other CJPC departments.
- Continue developing the Cleveland Jewish News as both a contemporary news organization and an important historical record of the Jewish community.
Cleveland Jewish News and Akron Jewish News — Print and Digital
- Oversee the editorial planning and production of the Cleveland Jewish News print edition and Akron Jewish News.
- Develop editorial calendars and coverage plans in coordination with the Publisher & CEO, VP of Sales and newsroom staff, including planning for advertising special features.
- Assign stories to staff reporters, freelancers and contributors and establish appropriate deadlines.
- Edit stories for accuracy, clarity, tone, structure and journalistic standards in accordance with AP and CJPC newsroom style.
- Write and/or edit headlines, cutlines, briefs, introductions and other editorial material.
- Work closely with the Creative Director and creative team on story presentation, page design, photography and overall editorial presentation.
- Work with the Digital Manager and other staff to maximize the reach and impact of editorial content online, in the CJN news app and across social media channels.
- Help develop timely digital content, e-newsletters, social media content, podcasts, video and other forms of journalism.
- Monitor audience engagement and use appropriate data and analytics to inform editorial decisions and digital strategy.
Community Engagement
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, institutions, congregations and news sources throughout Northeast Ohio.
- Maintain a visible presence within the Jewish community and attend significant community events.
- Identify opportunities for the Cleveland Jewish News and related products and platforms to better serve the communities they cover.
- Listen to readers and community members while maintaining appropriate editorial independence.
- Help preserve the stories, voices, traditions and experiences of the Jewish community for future generations.
Staff Management and Development
- Supervise, mentor and provide ongoing feedback and coaching to newsroom staff, the Columbus Bureau Chief, paid seasonal interns and freelance contributors.
- Foster a collaborative, professional and deadline-oriented newsroom culture.
- Conduct regular editorial meetings and planning sessions.
- Help recruit and develop seasonal interns, freelance writers and other editorial contributors.
- Establish clear expectations for assignments, deadlines and quality standards.
Journalism Standards
- Ensure all editorial content adheres to professional journalistic and AP standards and CJPC styles and policies.
- Maintain appropriate separation between editorial and advertising functions.
- Proofread, copy edit and fact-check to ensure stories are properly sourced and factually accurate.
- Exercise sound judgment and communication when covering sensitive, controversial or potentially divisive issues.
- Ensure appropriate context and content warnings are provided when warranted.
- Uphold the Cleveland Jewish News’ commitment to being an independent, nonpartisan publication while recognizing its role as a Jewish community publication.
- Stay current on developments in journalism, digital media, audience engagement and emerging technology.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant professional journalism and editing experience, preferably in a local or community news environment.
- Demonstrated experience assigning, editing and producing high-quality news content.
- Excellent writing, editing, headline-writing and communication skills.
- Strong news judgment and ability to distinguish important stories from routine coverage.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with staff, freelance writers, community leaders and sources.
- Commitment to accuracy, fairness and journalistic integrity.
Preferred
- Experience working for a newspaper, magazine, digital news organization or other community-focused media organization.
- Knowledge of the Cleveland and/or Northeast Ohio Jewish community.
- Experience managing or mentoring editorial staff.
- Experience with digital publishing, social media, newsletters, podcasts, video or other multimedia journalism.
- Familiarity with audience analytics and digital engagement strategies.
- Experience covering Jewish communities, religion, culture, nonprofit organizations or community affairs.
Personal Characteristics
- Curious — consistently looking for the next important story.
- Community-minded — invested in understanding and serving the communities covered by the publications.
- News-driven — able to recognize what matters and why.
- Collaborative — comfortable working across editorial, design, digital, sales and other departments.
- Adaptable — able to thrive in a changing media environment, often requiring after hours and/or weekend responsibilities.
- Diplomatic — capable of developing strong community relationships while maintaining editorial independence.
- Detail-oriented — committed to accuracy and meeting deadlines.
- Forward-thinking — interested in developing new ways to deliver journalism and engage readers.
About the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company
The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company is an independent, community-owned multimedia Jewish news organization serving Jewish communities in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Founded in 1964, the Cleveland Jewish News has served as a trusted source of journalism, information and community connection for more than six decades. Today, CJPC operates multiple print and digital publications, magazines, websites, newsletters, podcasts, events and other media products.
The organization’s mission is to preserve and advance the voices, stories and values of the Jewish community while providing relevant, timely and responsible journalism to the communities it serves.
The Editor-in-Chief will help lead this storied Jewish news organization during a period of transformation, serving as a member of the senior leadership team and helping shape the future of Jewish journalism in Northeast Ohio.
The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company offers an excellent compensation package, including a competitive salary commensurate with experience, paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) match, medical, dental and vision insurance and more.
The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment at the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to their professional competency. All applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other basis.
This hybrid role requires at least two days per week on-site at our Beachwood office.
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