Reporter or Editor Editorial Director
Job Description
Editorial Director
WELCOME TO BRIGHTBEAM!
Brightbeam is a nonprofit network of education influencers demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child. Using the power of storytelling, we shine a light on communities that challenge decision-makers to provide the learning opportunities all children need to thrive. We help strong voices tell powerful stories that unite and move their communities to action. Brightbeam amplifies these stories through a variety of digital platforms, including Education Post, Citizen Ed, Project Forever Free and more than 20 local and regional sites that spotlight education issues nationally. We also partner with on-the-ground initiatives, projects or organizations that align with our mission. To learn more, visit brightbeamnetwork.org.
Brightbeam offers a fast-paced and dynamic workplace where individuals are honored and valued for their unique strengths, perspectives, and backgrounds. We strive to be a democratic, mutually supportive and energized team of self-motivated nonprofit professionals dedicated to making a difference for children. Brightbeam provides competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including a 3% employer match to your retirement fund with no match required. Brightbeam is a virtual organization and this position is based in a home office anywhere in the United States. Occasional travel is required.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@brightbeamnetwork.org.
JOB DESCRIPTION
As brightbeam’s Editorial Director, you will set the editorial direction for brightbeam’s national digital platforms, with guidance from our Chief Program Officer and in close collaboration with our Director of Digital Content. You will manage a small team of full-time Senior Writers/Editors, as well as hire freelance journalists. You will possess more than just strong news judgment—you’ll have a keen sense for eye-catching news and commentary that can move people to action. You’ll also bring a deep understanding of K-12 education and a proven track record in editorial leadership and project management.
While maintaining brightbeam’s established position, amplifying the authentic voices of parents, teachers and students, you’ll devise new ways to find and tell compelling stories that help us advance our ambitious goals for popular engagement on education issues. You’ll ensure our stories, broadcasts and visuals meet high editorial standards and reach our target audiences. To make this happen, you’ll coach and support our core team of writers and recruit outstanding freelancers to extend our capacity as needed.
Most importantly, you bring a sense of urgency about the need to improve public education, and a passionate, optimistic commitment to making a difference for children through compelling storytelling.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead development of brightbeam’s editorial strategy, finding and telling stories that move audiences to action
- Manage, develop and support a team of in-house and external writers, including coaching and mentoring as needed to deepen their understanding of education and related child justice issues so they can consistently deliver compelling content
- Work with internal and external experts in social media, graphics and broadcast to ensure our stories reach as many audiences as possible
- Oversee editorial calendar and workflows
- Monitor the latest research, especially from our content partners, and ensure teams across the organization are briefed on new developments
- Collaborate with internal and external content experts to develop compelling stories and explainers that motivate audiences to take action intended to improve education and promote child justice
- Recruit freelancers and manage freelance budget
- Maintain high editorial and creative standards across brightbeam platforms
- Track progress towards ambitious team goals, and work with team members to course correct where necessary
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Great editorial judgment and instincts
- Deep understanding of the U.S. education landscape, primarily in K-12 education policy and education reform
- Experience in journalism or communications, preferably related to education
- Exceptional project management skills, especially setting priorities and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience setting editorial agendas and managing editorial workflow
- Experience managing freelance budgets and freelancers
- Demonstrated ability to write and edit effectively, for a wide variety of audiences
- Demonstrated ability to translate research into clear written, audio and visual content, with actionable messages and strategies that can ultimately improve student outcomes
- Proven track record of meeting ambitious goals
- Comfort in a virtual, remote work environment
- Self-starter who thrives in a high-change, fast-paced, and experimental environment
- Passion for improving education and enthusiasm about the potential to make change through compelling storytelling
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.
