Summary: 

The Managing Editor leads all day-to-day editorial and publishing operations of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project Department. This is a 30-person team of analysts and reporters responsible for producing intelligence, analysis, and investigative reporting on the radical right in the United States. The Managing Editor directly supervises the editorial unit within this Intelligence Project Department but oversees and is responsible for all published content being produced by the department. This content includes investigative journalism, data-driven research reports, and short- and long-form feature stories and is published as blogs, magazine articles, print reports, videos, etc. 

The Managing Editor reports to and works in close partnership with the Deputy Director of the Intelligence Project.

The Managing Editor oversees editorial planning, process, and execution:

Editorial planning: The Managing Editor will plan and run all editorial meetings, including short- and long-term planning, or assign to Senior Editors as needed.

Editing process: The Managing Editor will ensure that the Intelligence Project’s editorial guidelines and process are followed by all team members at all times.

Story execution: The Managing Editor will work with Senior Editors, reporters, and analysts to help them publish the right stories in the right way.

The Managing Editor must be a strong player as the role partners very closely with the Director of Research work to set and achieve the research and editorial goals for the department.

Primary Job Functions:

• Works closely with the Deputy Director to determine editorial direction, assist with evaluating and improving content, and developing new content areas or new types of content;
• Collaborate with all Intelligence Project leaders, staff, and writers on idea generation, story approaches and content development;
• Commission, produce, and edit written material (long form, magazine, white papers, and blog posts);
• Ensure all work is delivered on time and within budget; ensure that Intelligence Project publications meet the highest standards for editorial quality;
• Effectively manage the editorial calendar and deadlines for the Hatewatch blog, Intelligence Project publications, and Extremist Files;
• Oversee production of the bi-annual Intelligence Report;
• Ensure the editorial process workflow is followed and implement improvements as needed;
• Manage a team of editors, reporters, and freelancers to produce editorial content;
• On occasion, represent the SPLC in the media and other public relations forums.

The Managing Editor is a highly-experienced journalist, manager, and newsroom leader. The successful candidate:

• is hyper organized;
• has superior communication skills;
• is committed to following editorial guidelines and processes;
• has excellent conflict resolution skills;
• understands today’s media landscape, and
• is excited about interactive and multimedia.

Qualifications –

Education and Related Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• A minimum of 10 years of investigative journalism experience with demonstrated results;
• Significant newsroom editing and management experience required;
• Excellent research, writing and reporting skills;
• Expertise in the radical right;
• Familiarity with online platforms and best social media practices;
• Strong project management skills and experience, including experience working with external contractors and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines;
• Strong ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders across lines of difference;
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Commitment to develop and maintain sources;
• Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, receive constructive feedback and work autonomously;
• Commitment to the values and mission of SPLC;
• Not for profit experience is preferred but not essential.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• An entrepreneurial, proactive attitude with strong organizational skills;
• Collegiality, strong communication skills, open-mindness, and willingness to be challenged;
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines;
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and demands on deadline;
• Must be a team player;
• Commitment to the mission of the SPLC.

Other Special Considerations:

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.

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