Freelance Digital Jobs in Rantoul, IL (NOW HIRING)

Do you believe that a well-informed community is a stronger community? 

At Village Media Ltd., we don't just report the news, we maintain the digital town square. We believe that rigorous, independent, and nonpartisan journalism is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. We seek five visionary, high-energy Editors to launch and lead our footprint in each of these Illinois communities: Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Peoria, and Springfield. As Editor, you drive the editorial strategy, shaping the daily coverage that defines your community and reflecting the local narrative.

The Heart of the Newsroom

This is a leadership role for a storyteller who communicates the "big picture" while obsessing over the details. You are the lead reporter, strategist and practitioner addressing the community's most critical stories, while also serving as a manager and mentor to your reporters. You ensure your digital town square is the most trusted, vibrant, and essential source of local information, leading by example in the field and from the editor's desk.

What You Will Do:

• Local coverage - Provide editorial direction to your reporter(s) and ensure a dynamic mix of breaking news, deep-dive features and high-impact reporting that reflects the cultural and economic life of the community.

• Community trust - Serve as the guardian of the digital town square. You uphold the highest standards of factual accuracy, verification, and nonpartisan reporting, ensuring our coverage remains fiercely independent, fair, and trusted by all members of the community.

• Local interests - Understand what your readers care about most and shape your coverage strategy by leveraging digital metrics and community feedback.

• CARES Initiatives - Maintain local impact as the cornerstone of the digital town square, by partnering with our Community Coordinator to highlight CARES initiatives and Community Conversations.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Proven experience in newsroom leadership, with a "nose for news" and the judgment to handle sensitive local issues with fairness and strict impartiality.

• An unwavering commitment to journalistic independence and the ethical standards of objective, fact-based storytelling, with the ability to navigate diverse viewpoints without bias.

• A strong understanding of the mechanics of digital publishing and audience analytics.

• The ability to mentor others and a passion for helping journalists grow their skills.

• A deep insight into-or a strong willingness to immerse yourself in-the unique identities, leadership and culture of Western / Central Pennsylvania communities.

Compensation and Logistics

• Work Arrangement: Remote/Work-from-Home, with a strict requirement of residing within the designated community. Open to non-resident candidates willing to relocate to the designated community.

• Compensation: $72,000 USD per annum, plus eligibility for an additional performance bonus of $2,000 per annum.

• Hours: Generally, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, but as a newsroom leader, you understand that news doesn't always follow a 9-to-5 schedule.

To Apply: Tell Us Your Story

At Village, we are people with heart, grit, and deep roots in the communities we serve. Because our mission is entirely focused on genuine human connection, trust, and local vitality, we do things authentically.

We promise that no artificial intelligence (AI), automated keyword matching, or large language models (LLMs) are used in our resume and cover-letter selection process.

We  honor your uniqueness  and believe your real-world experiences create your character. Every application is  evaluated by actual human beings who care deeply about the communities we serve, including our future colleagues.

If you are ready to be the face and heart of your community, please submit your application with the subject line: Editor - Champaign-Urbana.

What to Include:

Your Resume; 2-page limit: Walk us through your professional journey, highlighting your achievements in content strategy, managing contributor or freelancer networks, editorial project management, or any work that proves you possess the drive for tight deadlines and delivery of high-impact content.

Your Story (In Lieu of a Traditional Cover Letter); 2-page limit: Tell us who you are beyond a list of bullet points. We want to read a story you are truly proud of. In your submission, please address the following: 

• What makes you proud to live in your community?

• Tell us about a local business or non-profit you love, and the story behind why they matter.

• Share a meaningful moment-whether you were making a tangible impact locally, or telling the story of a community member you care about.

About Village Media

Village Media is a leading digital media company dedicated to strengthening local communities through trusted journalism, technology, and civic engagement. Headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Village Media operates a growing network of local news publications and community platforms across Canada and the United States.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. We are committed to providing a working environment that honors the unique backgrounds and perspectives of every team member.