Indiana Managing Editor

Date Posted	October 07, 2025
Industry	Digital Media
Specialty	Politics
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$85,000 to $97,000, based on experience

Description:

State Affairs, a national, digital news site reporting on state legislatures around the country, is in search of an experienced managing editor to cover critical news and policy coming out of the state capital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This is more than a job; it’s a chance to be at the helm of impactful journalism in one of the most dynamic states in the nation. At State Affairs, we pride ourselves on delivering nonpartisan, fair and accurate news that informs and empowers our readers. 

Here’s what makes this position so special:

✶ The opportunity to work with a dynamic, award-winning team dedicated to high-quality reporting. That includes veteran journalist and columnist Brian Howey!

✶ A chance to lead coverage on stories that matter, from Statehouse developments to in-depth analyses of the issues affecting Hoosiers.

✶ The satisfaction of contributing to a publication that prioritizes nonpartisan integrity and fairness in everything we do.

About the position

The Managing Editor role is perfect for a seasoned journalist who thrives on leadership, innovation and excellent storytelling. You’ll oversee a talented, award-winning and passionate team, collaborate on reporting and writing meaningful projects and help shape the editorial strategy for Indiana coverage. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of compelling, relevant and accurate news stories to our readership. This position requires a strong journalistic background and a passion for delivering impactful nonpartisan news. Attention to detail is paramount and knowledge of The Associated Press style is desirable. A passion for politics is desirable.

We seek a full-time Managing Editor with significant reporting and writing experience who can produce well-thought out dailies and enterprise stories on the inner workings of state government, state government agencies, policy makers and other movers and shakers. This player/coach is also able to turn around a well-written and reported story on a tight deadline.

Beyond that, we seek a managing editor who is a visionary — someone who doesn’t just see what’s in front of them but anticipates what’s coming next. A leader who can spot emerging trends, guide coverage beyond the day’s headlines, and help our reporters stay ahead of the curve. This person must also review copy and correct errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines. He/she must determine a story’s emphasis, length and format and organize material accordingly.

This position is NOT remote. The candidate will work most days out of the Indiana Statehouse. Candidates not in Indianapolis or the surrounding area must be willing to relocate to the area.

State Affairs offers health insurance and a generous vacation policy. 

The salary for this position is $85,000 to $97,000 annually based on experience.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to meet deadline

• Edit stories, graphics, pull quotes, info boxes, etc., for content, errors and libel, taking into consideration AP style and the in-house style guide.

• Assist in developing and implementing editorial strategies to enhance audience engagement, increase readership and drive digital growth.

• Elevate reporters’ stories by seizing opportunities for in-depth enterprise stories, including those with statewide, and at times national, reach.

• Communicate quickly and effectively with reporters to break news online and follow up when appropriate with more in-depth enterprise pieces.

• Demonstrate a high comfort level with analyzing and interpreting metrics and use them to inform coverage decisions in real-time and the long-term.

• Persistent

• Pays attention to detail

• Research skills

• Familiarity with data-based reporting

• Adhere to journalism code of ethics

• Strong project management and project planning skills

• Demonstrated team leadership experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred

• Five years of experience as a reporter or editor; government reporting preferred

Join our mission

State Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

How to apply

If you’re passionate about journalism that drives change and informs the public, I encourage you to apply. Send a cover letter and resume with at least three writing samples to Alison Bethel, editor-in-chief, at alison@stateaffairs.com with the subject line “Indiana Managing Editor.” Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Base salary

$85,000/yr - $97,000/yr