1

Senior Managing Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... voice. • Lead senior editorial hiring: onboard senior writers and editors across Fashion ... • Manage a freelance roster of 8-12 contributors • Partner with data and product teams to ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

The Managing Editor will oversee the full editorial lifecycle for individual pieces and for our in ... Report to senior program staff to clarify and implement primary publication goals. * Serve as lead ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$93K - $100K/yr

The Managing Editor will oversee the full editorial lifecycle for individual pieces and for our in ... Report to senior program staff to clarify and implement primary publication goals. * Serve as lead ...

Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... document management tools. * Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, action officers ... Professional editing, communications, public affairs, or technical writing certification preferred.

New

We are currently accepting resumes for an editor to support a team at Walter Reed National Military ... Manage the final clearance process, packaging and presenting finalized documents to the senior ...

We are currently accepting resumes for an editor to support a team at Walter Reed National Military ... Manage the final clearance process, packaging and presenting finalized documents to the senior ...

We are currently accepting resumes for an editor to support a team at Walter Reed National Military ... Manage the final clearance process, packaging and presenting finalized documents to the senior ...

SFS is looking for Editor to provide services to provide the NGB Staff Support Services supporting ... Experience coordinating edits with Action Officers and senior staff. Proficient with Microsoft Word ...

We are currently accepting resumes for an editor to support a team at Walter Reed National Military ... Manage the final clearance process, packaging and presenting finalized documents to the senior ...

SFS is looking for Editor to provide services to provide the NGB Staff Support Services supporting ... Experience coordinating edits with Action Officers and senior staff. Proficient with Microsoft Word ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Managing Editor information

See Washington salary details

$41.9K

$94.1K

$136.5K

How much do senior managing editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior managing editor in Washington is $94,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior managing editor do?

A Senior Managing Editor oversees the editorial team and manages the content strategy for a publication or media outlet. They are responsible for assigning stories, ensuring deadlines are met, maintaining editorial standards, and collaborating with writers, editors, and other departments. Additionally, Senior Managing Editors often play a key role in hiring, budgeting, and shaping the overall voice and direction of the publication. Their work ensures that all content aligns with the brand’s goals and audience expectations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior managing editor?

To thrive as a Senior Managing Editor, you need advanced editorial judgment, strong writing and editing skills, and experience managing content teams, typically supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), workflow tools like Trello or Asana, and familiarity with SEO best practices is often required. Outstanding leadership, time management, and communication skills help you coordinate teams and maintain high editorial standards. These abilities are crucial for ensuring content quality, meeting deadlines, and driving the editorial vision of the organization.

How does a senior managing editor collaborate with writers and other editorial staff to maintain content quality?

A Senior Managing Editor works closely with writers, editors, and subject matter experts to ensure all published content meets high standards for accuracy, tone, and consistency. This role often involves leading editorial meetings, providing detailed feedback, and setting clear editorial guidelines. Senior Managing Editors also coordinate with design, marketing, and SEO teams to align content with broader organizational goals. Effective communication and mentorship are key aspects of fostering a collaborative and productive editorial environment.

What is the difference between Senior Managing Editor vs Content Director?

AspectSenior Managing EditorContent Director
CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; experience in editing and publishingBachelor's or master's degree in marketing, communications, or related; leadership experience in content strategy
Work EnvironmentEditorial teams, publishing houses, media companiesMarketing departments, media agencies, corporate communications
Employer UsageMedia outlets, publishing firms, online platformsBrands, agencies, corporate sectors
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in editing and publishing hierarchyUnderstanding leadership in content strategy and creation

The Senior Managing Editor primarily oversees editorial content, ensuring quality and adherence to standards within publishing or media organizations. The Content Director focuses on developing and executing content strategies aligned with marketing or brand goals. While both roles require strong communication skills and industry experience, the Senior Managing Editor emphasizes editing and publication processes, whereas the Content Director emphasizes strategic planning and content marketing.

What is a senior managing editor?

A senior managing editor is a high-level editorial professional responsible for overseeing content production, managing editorial teams, and ensuring the quality and consistency of publications. They often coordinate with other departments, develop editorial strategies, and may have experience with content management systems and editing tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Managing Editor jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Managing Editor jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Managing Editor jobs in Washington?

For Senior Managing Editor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Managing Editor jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Managing Editor jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Managing Editor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Managing Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Managing Editor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,130 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

$78 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Investigative Reporting Workshop, a nonprofit news organization based at American University, seeks an experienced, dynamic Managing Editor to lead the production of ambitious, high impact investigative journalism and help shape the future of the field. This is a senior leadership role for an editor who thrives in the intersection of editorial excellence, innovation, and mentorship. We are interested in a calm, collaborative, and detail-oriented team player with the people skills to earn the trust of both students and seasoned investigative reporters.

The Managing Editor will oversee daily newsroom operations while driving major reporting projects in collaboration with leading news organizations. They will play a central role in developing the next generation of investigative journalists and expanding the Workshop’s reach, partnerships, and impact. This is a rare opportunity to shape consequential journalism while investing in the future of the profession. The Managing Editor will help define editorial strategy, expand the reach of investigative reporting, and ensure that vital, accountability-driven stories are produced and seen.

Why Join us:

This is a rare opportunity to shape consequential journalism while investing in the future of the profession. The Managing Editor will help define editorial strategy, expand the reach of investigative reporting, and ensure that vital, accountability-driven stories are produced and seen.

IRW has partnered with dozens of news organizations, among them the New York Times, Washington Post and the New Yorker, and produced and contributed to work that has won Emmys and Pulitzer Prizes.

Essential Functions:

1.) Lead Day-to-Day Editorial Operations

  • Assign, edit, and fact-check stories.
  • Work closely with editors and reporters at our publishing partners to ensure compliance with their standards of ethics and legal considerations.
  • Oversee those on contract for reporting, editing, design, and web development.
  • Approve any and all use of proprietary or subscription-based tools to do our work.
  • Collaborate with the data editor to ensure accurate work across all projects and stories.
  • Assure the highest standards of accuracy to all work, including that posted to social media, our newsletter, internal and external emails and memos, and any and all correspondence.
  • Along with the executive editor, meet with visiting national and international journalists as needed for workshops and do informational interviews regarding nonprofit newsrooms.
  • Collaborate with the executive editor and operations manager on HR and day-to-day financials, developing long-term options for growth and recruitment.

2.) Help to Conceive, Assign, and Edit Complex Investigative Projects from Pitch through Publication

  • Develop ideas for stories to pitch to various previous co-publishing partners or potential new partners in investigative work, from local to national topics in line with our general guidelines of accountability reporting.
  • Work with interns and graduate fellows on how to pitch, edit pitches, early drafts, and keep partner news organizations informed of our progress.

3.) Recruit, Hire, and Mentor Student and Early-career Journalists, Pairing them with Partner Newsrooms on High-level Reporting Collaborations

  • Hire all interns, graduate fellows, and post-graduate fellows, including developing updated job descriptions, interviewing finalists, and working with the operations manager on onboarding.
  • Interview and hire freelance reporters and editors as needed.

4.) Build and Manage Relationships with External Partners

  • Interview and hire freelance reporters and editors as needed, as well as design and web development contractors.
  • Manage relationships with external professional partners in other newsrooms through frequent contact and updates; solicit feedback.
  • Develop new outlets and secure memorandums of understanding for engaging additional newsroom partnerships.
  • Working with the operations manager, create new contracts for those working in design, photography, web development, and related fields.

5.) Oversee Editorial Budgets, Timelines, and Production Workflows

  • Develop tracking for multiple projects underway with various timelines and due dates for reporting memos, updated file/document/public-records tracking, and production deadlines to ensure that all visual assets are available to both IRW and publishing partners.

6.) Ensure Alignment Between Editorial Output and the Organization’s Broader Mission and Strategic Priorities

  • Update ethical guidelines frequently regarding new and changing technologies.
  • Review quarterly stories and partnerships to decide whether and how best to continue, as some partnerships are ongoing and others are less frequent.
  • Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
  • Prioritizing and Organizing.
  • Displaying Creativity.
  • Supporting Coworkers.
  • Acting Ethically and with Integrity.
  • Serving Customers.
  • Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Community.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
  • Full-time.
  • 35 hours per week.
  • This position is in person and eligible for Hybrid 1 schedule (on-campus 3 - 4 days per week).
  • Location is at the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University School of Communication (SOC) in Washington, D.C.
  • Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
Salary Range:
  • $78,000.00 - $90,000.00 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • 5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
  • Substantial experience in investigative or enterprise journalism, with a track record of impactful, high-quality work.
  • Proven leadership in managing editors, reporters, and cross-functional teams on complex, deadline-driven projects.
  • Strong editorial judgment and the ability to elevate ambitious reporting to the highest standards.
  • Experience working collaboratively across organizations or in partnership-driven journalism.
  • Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and developing emerging journalists.
  • Fluency in digital storytelling, newsroom tools, and evolving industry practices.
  • A calm, collaborative, and detail-oriented team player with the people skills to earn the trust of both students and seasoned investigative reporters.
Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Master's degree or equivalent.
  • Previous work at a nonprofit newsroom is a plus.
  • Employees in the School of Communication are required to work on campus in a full presence modality for the first month of their employment.
Other Duties:
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively 'Protected Bases') in its programs and activities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr