The Trace seeks an ambitious and collaborative managing editor to guide editorial work that engages our passionate readers, leads to impact, and expands our reach.

This is a chance to help The Trace shine a light on America’s gun violence crisis through independent journalism. 

Our managing editor will:

  • Take the lead on setting the editorial calendar and guiding development of a steady clip of newsy stories, shorter features, and explainers in between our marquee projects
  • Top edit most of our quicker turn stories, making sure they have clarity and verve, and are framed to capture reader interest
  • Think carefully about how to pair an emerging coverage opportunity with the ideal story form and platform, to reach the audience with the most to gain from it
  • Manage two to five writer and editors
  • Oversee our data reporting by helping our data editor prioritize their work, and coordinate with freelancers
  • Run a few projects or partnerships each year

Your resume shows 10 or more years of reporting and/or editing, including at least four years of editing experience.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

  • Has strong news instincts and a solid understanding of public interest reporting 
  • Knows how to inspire team members to be ambitious and develop their skills
  • Communicates effectively across a remote team, and knows how to draw on individual and organizational strengths to get the staff humming
  • Is creative about how to approach and frame stories, and expand impact
  • Is both self-motivated and innately collaborative
  • Gives clear, effective guidance to the colleagues they manage
  • Is flexible about many things — but relentless in ensuring the accuracy, fairness, and clarity of every piece of coverage they touch

This job is probably not for someone who:

  • Is averse to fast-paced, evolving environments
  • Has a hard time making decisions
  • Prefers to work on long-lead assignments, one at time

Compensation and benefits

Salary will vary depending on the candidate, but the general range is approximately $100,000-$140,000. This full-time position includes no-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance; 12 weeks of fully paid family leave; a 401(k) with employer matching; four weeks of vacation time, plus 10 sick days and a holiday week in December; several holidays; and professional development resources such as funding to attend conferences.

This is a remote position. About half of our staff is based in New York, but we also have team members in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere.

At The Trace, we are committed to producing journalism that is equitable and inclusive. We welcome applications from journalists of all experience levels and strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. 

We know that all of the attributes and interests listed here won’t apply to all candidates. If you think you’d be a great fit and have skills and qualifications not mentioned in this listing, we encourage you to submit an application and tell us why you’d thrive in this role.

To apply

Fill out the application form here. In lieu of a cover letter, we ask that you answer a few questions about your experience and goals. We’re asking for your resume and two to four editing clips you’re proud of.

DEADLINE: We will accept applications through September 5, 2023. We may begin reviewing applications sooner, however, and will reach out to you directly if we like your application.

QUESTIONS? Email us at [email protected] with questions about the role or how to apply. Please do not reach out to check on the status of your application before we have contacted you; we will do our best to respond to candidates in a timely manner.