Freelance Editor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, energetic and highly organized Newspaper Editor to lead the editorial direction and day-to-day newsroom operations of a community-focused publication.

This role is ideal for someone who believes deeply in the importance of local journalism and understands that a strong community newspaper must be both thoughtful and responsive. We are looking for an editor who can identify the stories that matter, develop writers, maintain high editorial standards and keep a fast-moving weekly publication organized and on deadline.

The Editor will oversee the entire editorial process—from story development and assignments through editing, production, digital publication and promotion.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial Leadership

• Set the editorial direction and priorities for each issue.
• Identify timely, relevant and original stories that matter to our readers.
• Develop a healthy mix of breaking and timely news, accountability reporting, enterprise stories, community coverage, business, arts and culture, food, events and features.
• Look beyond press releases and obvious stories to identify issues and voices that may be underreported.
• Maintain strong awareness of what is happening throughout the communities we serve.
• Build an editorial calendar and plan coverage several weeks in advance while maintaining flexibility for breaking news.

Writer & Contributor Management

• Lead regular writers' meetings and maintain a clear pipeline of upcoming stories.
• Assign stories with clear expectations, angles, key questions, sources, word counts and deadlines.
• Manage staff writers, freelancers, photographers, columnists and other contributors.
• Recruit and develop new writers and contributors.
• Provide constructive feedback that helps writers improve their reporting and storytelling.
• Follow up proactively when assignments, interviews or deadlines are falling behind.

Editing & Quality Control

• Edit stories for accuracy, clarity, structure, grammar, tone and readability.
• Ensure reporting is thoroughly sourced, balanced and factually sound.
• Maintain consistent AP Style and publication-specific editorial standards.
• Verify names, titles, dates, statistics, links and other critical information.
• Ensure headlines, captions, pull quotes and other editorial elements are accurate and engaging.
• Maintain a high standard of journalistic ethics and integrity.

Production & Deadlines

• Own the editorial production schedule and ensure the newspaper is completed on deadline each week.
• Work closely with the Publisher, designers and other team members throughout production.
• Plan story placement, page needs and editorial priorities before layout begins.
• Provide designers with organized, edited and finalized content rather than relying on layout to determine editorial structure.
• Review proofs efficiently and make thoughtful decisions about necessary changes.
• Develop repeatable systems and templates that make weekly production more efficient.

Digital & Newsletter

• Ensure stories are published online accurately and promptly.
• Help determine which stories should be developed specifically for digital audiences.
• Oversee editorial content for newsletters and other audience channels.
• Coordinate with the team to promote stories across social media and digital platforms.
• Think beyond the print edition and identify opportunities to keep readers informed throughout the week.

Community Engagement

• Develop strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, businesses, schools, government agencies and residents.
• Build a diverse and reliable network of sources.
• Attend community events and remain actively engaged with the communities we cover.
• Encourage letters, tips, story ideas and other forms of reader participation.
• Ensure the newspaper reflects a broad range of voices and experiences within the community.

What We're Looking For

The right candidate is both a strong journalist and a strong manager. We want someone who can think strategically about the publication while also being willing to jump into the details when necessary.

You should be:

• An excellent writer and editor.
• Highly organized and deadline-driven.
• Curious and naturally interested in people and communities.
• Comfortable managing multiple stories and contributors simultaneously.
• Able to distinguish between a quick news story and a deeper reported feature.
• Proactive about identifying problems and finding solutions.
• Comfortable giving clear direction and holding people accountable.
• Collaborative and respectful while still being decisive.
• Excited about building systems and improving newsroom efficiency.
• Comfortable working in a growing organization where priorities can move quickly.
• Passionate about the future of independent and local journalism.

Qualifications

• Previous journalism, editing or newsroom experience required.
• Experience editing professional published work strongly preferred.
• Experience managing writers or freelancers preferred.
• Strong knowledge of AP Style.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong news judgment and understanding of journalistic ethics.
• Experience with digital publishing platforms and content management systems preferred.
• Familiarity with newsletters, social media and audience development is a plus.
• Experience with project-management or newsroom workflow tools is a plus.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Editor will build a newsroom where:

• Stories are planned and assigned well in advance.
• Writers understand exactly what is expected of them.
• Deadlines are clear and consistently met.
• Breaking and timely news can be handled quickly.
• The newspaper consistently produces original reporting readers cannot easily find elsewhere.
• Print, web, newsletters and social media work together rather than operating separately.
• Production becomes increasingly organized and efficient.
• Writers receive leadership, feedback and support.
• The publication becomes an increasingly essential source of information for the community.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the growth and future of independent local journalism. We are building a publication that respects the traditions of community newspapers while also rethinking how local journalism can reach and engage readers today.

We are looking for someone who wants more than simply to maintain a newspaper—we want an Editor who is excited to help build what it becomes next!

Boulder Weekly is one of Boulder County's most recognized local media brands, delivering trusted news, stories, and community coverage while helping local businesses connect with engaged audiences. As part of a growing Northern Colorado media network that includes The Surveyor, Best of Boulder, digital publications, newsletters, podcasts, events, and specialty magazines, we provide businesses with powerful cross-platform marketing solutions that reach readers where they live, work, and explore. Our mission is to celebrate the communities we serve, support local businesses, and create meaningful connections through quality journalism, creative storytelling, and innovative advertising. As we continue expanding throughout Boulder County and the surrounding region, we're building a team that is passionate about local business, community engagement, and helping shape the future of independent local media.