Managing Editor

Location: Lansing, Illinois
Commitment: Full-time

HELP SHAPE THE VOICE OF A SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG HEART

At The Lansing Journal, we believe that informed communities are stronger communities. As the only newspaper serving Lansing, Illinois, we publish local news that keeps our town connected, engaged, and growing together. We’re looking for a mission-driven Managing Editor to lead our editorial operations, elevate our journalism, and help shape the future of this important community institution.

This is a leadership role with real visibility and impact. You’ll guide daily news coverage, mentor a growing team of writers and contributors, and serve as a trusted voice in a diverse town of 29,000 people. Your work will be noticed — by our readers, by our advertisers, by our funders — and it will matter.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

The newsroom runs smoothly. Reporters feel supported, energized, and part of something bigger. They consistently deliver high-quality, community-relevant journalism.

The Journal’s email list and YouTube subscribers grow, and donations and subscriptions increase. The Lansing Journal is recognized as a model for how local journalism can thrive in a small town.

Most important, readers are engaged not only with the news, but also with the community. They shop local, attend public meetings, vote, and interact with their neighbors.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead editorial planning and publishing. You’ll set the rhythm of our daily news cycle, making sure we publish 3–7 stories a day — prioritizing relevance, accuracy, and clarity.
• Inspire and manage the team. You’ll coach staff and freelancers, assign stories, give thoughtful feedback, and help everyone grow in their craft.
• Report and represent. You’ll step in to write and report when needed, particularly on sensitive or high-priority stories. You’ll also be visible in the community — building relationships that fuel good journalism.
• Grow our digital presence. You’ll help strengthen our voice across platforms, especially YouTube, where we’ve built a large and loyal following.
• Champion journalistic excellence. You’ll uphold consistent editorial standards while also engaging in community life. You’ll help us navigate the right balance of journalistic professionalism and small-town relationships.

You’ll love this role if you —

• Care deeply about local journalism and the power it has to build community
• Are an organized collaborator who proactively manages deadlines with Tetris-like satisfaction
• Love coaching and empowering others to do their best work
• Are just as comfortable editing and planning as you are jumping in to write a story yourself
• Are curious, empathetic, and committed to earning trust in the community you serve

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THIS ROLE

This is the top editorial role in our growing organization. As our newsroom expands, so will your leadership — potentially shaping broader strategy, building new beats or teams, and influencing how we serve Lansing and surrounding communities.

QUALIFICATIONS (don’t worry if you don’t check every box)

• 5+ years of journalism experience, ideally with editorial leadership
• Strong writing and editing skills (AP Style preferred)
• Experience managing writers or freelancers
• Familiarity with WordPress, YouTube, Google Workspace, and digital publishing tools
• Knowledge of SEO, social media, and video is a plus
• Local to Lansing, or willing to become part of the community
• Able to authentically serve Lansing Latinos as part of the broader community

COMPENSATION
We expect the salary to fall between $60,000–$70,000, with benefits. This may not sound commensurate if you're coming from a larger newsroom, but it's a solid, upper-level income in our small town.

READY TO APPLY?
The job posting on our website also includes a form you can use to send us your resume, a few links to writing samples, and a short note about why this role matters to you. If you have experience that doesn’t fit the traditional journalism mold but makes you a great candidate, we want to hear that too. Visit https://thelansingjournal.org/career-opportunities/managing-editor/ and scroll to the bottom to complete the form.