Senior Editor

WFAE is seeking a Senior Editor to help guide, grow and shape its news coverage.

This position is a key newsroom leader, helping the Executive Editor to both manage the day-to-day news operation and plan the newsroom’s overall priorities. This is a position that offers the opportunity not just to edit and publish news stories, but to shape the overall direction and focus of a thriving newsroom in a growing city.

The Senior Editor’s core responsibilities include:

• Developing, assigning and editing news stories and features across teams and beats in the WFAE newsroom.
• Dividing daily editing tasks with the Executive Editor and other editors as needed.
• Leading the creation of ambitious, sound-rich stories and special projects.
• Editing newsletters and stories for the website.
• Mentoring and managing reporters, including general managerial duties for direct reports, such as approving expense reports and PTO requests.

Other responsibilities include:

• Occasionally filling in to help with on-air shifts, such as hosting newsmagazine shows, recording newscasts and writing/voicing spots.
• Helping the Executive Editor and Program Director plan for and appropriately staff hosting and newscast duties.
• Helping to plan overall coverage for important events, such as elections.
• Help as needed with daily news planning, such as compiling the rundown of stories and coordinating with partner stations in the executive editor’s absence.
• Working with the Program Director to shape the station’s overall sound and correct any audio issues as they arise.
• Occasional night and weekend work may be required.

The Senior Editor reports to the Executive Editor, and also works closely with the Program Director and Digital Director on an as-needed basis.

This is a full-time exempt position. The position is based in Charlotte, with a hybrid work schedule that includes several days in-person at the radio station.

Essential Skills

The Senior Editor must have strong working knowledge of and experience in journalistic principles and skills (e.g., ethics, interviewing, building audience connections, storytelling, etc.), as well as experience editing stories for broadcast and online. The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of planning and executing a variety of news stories, such as hard news, features, breaking news and longer-term projects.

The Senior Editor should also have experience with managing reporters and helping to run a newsroom. A collegial and collaborative approach is a must, as is demonstrated ability to perform under daily deadline pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience. 7+ years of experience in reporting/editing, public media and/or broadcasting.
• Technical skills: Knowledge of audio editing with software such as Adobe Audition, Hindenburg or equivalent; familiarity with field recording equipment and techniques; experience operating live broadcast studio equipment.

WFAE offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement, health insurance, FSA/DCA and more.

WFAE, the NPR station in Charlotte, is an award-winning multiplatform newsroom (radio, digital, podcasts, live events) committed to providing high-quality local news and engagement that meets the needs of our diverse community. Our mission is to deliver journalism that informs, engages and inspires. Our vision is to help create a more knowledgeable and engaged community grounded in our shared humanity. Make an impact on the community. Work with a team of smart, collaborative colleagues. This is an exceptional opportunity for a public radio fan and mission-minded professional.

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