Freelance Photo Editor Remote Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

???? Remote (U.S.-based) | ???? Full-Time | ???? $70,000-$80,000

Join Courier Newsroom - an organization that drives journalism and empowers communities.

At Courier Newsroom, we're reinventing local media to inform and empower communities through impactful reporting. Our mission is rooted in civic engagement and equity—and we're growing fast.

We are presently looking for a Senior Editor to oversee impact content and paid media production.

COURIER Newsroom is committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We strongly encourage women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ candidates, and those from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to break down barriers and ensure every team member feels seen, heard, and supported.

Role Overview

The Senior Editor will play a pivotal role on Courier's Underwriting & Sponsored Content team. Reporting directly to the VP of Underwriting Editorial Products & Sponsored Content, this role will provide editorial and strategic support to the VP to help implement editorial strategy, help manage the department's employees and freelancers, work with staff to edit and optimize their content, and be closely involved with paid media programs. 

This individual will help ensure alignment between state-specific goals and company mission and objectives to maximize impact, audience engagement, and revenue growth. 

This position is Remote, working East Coast business hours. 

Responsibilities:

• With (or under the guidance of) the VP, develop and implement editorial content strategy for paid and impact content, ensuring alignment with Courier's mission and goals.
• Directly manage a roster of freelance writers and video correspondents.
• Work alongside reporters to edit and refine content that resonates with target audiences and meets partner goals.
• Ensure that content is accurate, fair, and adheres to journalistic ethics.
• With the VP, manage and mentor the editorial team, potentially including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and regular 1:1 check-ins.
• Provide regular updates and insights to the VP on progress toward departmental goals, proactively identifying and addressing challenges.
• Provide training and guidance to team members on creating content that aligns with partner goals while also maintaining a high level of journalism.
• Assist VP in team performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Meet with paid media partners to ensure priority alignment, translate those priorities to the editorial team, and hold the editorial team accountable to those goals in the editing process.
• Assist in the implementation of new tools, technologies, and approaches to enhance the effectiveness and reach of political content. 
• May manage interns.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 5-8 years experience in journalism and editorial leadership.
• Extremely strong editing skills, with the ability to support the development and refinement of editorial content strategies.
• Professional experience with writing and/or content creation for marketing, public relations, sponsored content, or campaigns.
• Passion for local journalism, civic engagement, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
• Demonstrated experience in team collaboration and mentorship.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• A strong understanding of data analytics and its application to content optimization.
• Experience with digital content management systems and social media platforms.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Compensation and benefits

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), 11 paid holidays a year
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Full suite of health benefits
• $500 home office reimbursement
• 401k
• Flexible working arrangements

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