Date Posted	February 02, 2026
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Local News
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	Negotiable

Description:

Managing Editor wanted (fresh ideas required) 

At the Observer Media Group, we don’t want to be like everyone else. 

We don’t want to chase the same stories or tell them the same way as other newsrooms. You’ll see that difference on our website, in our papers and in our magazines. And, we believe, that’s what keeps us growing and successful. 

We are looking for a managing editor who understands this difference to oversee two of our weekly publications. The right person will bring energy, creativity and sharp editorial instincts to deliver news that informs, surprises and delights our readers. 

As a hyperlocal organization, we believe our newspapers should reflect the communities they serve. Here’s a little bit about the two publications and how each is unique in its approach.

The publications

The Longboat Observer covers Longboat Key, a barrier island just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Surrounded by aquamarine water and beautiful beaches, Longboat is a special place with one-of-a-kind stories, ranging from rogue peacocks to wacky police reports. It is a town with an intelligent, older, affluent readership who are engaged with their newspaper. This makes for fun coverage that showcases residents’ passion — with no shortage of sources.

The Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer has a flavor all its own, including the more cosmopolitan world of downtown Sarasota and its barrier island, Siesta Key. Our goal for this paper is to deliver comprehensive city coverage while producing stories and features that connect and inform the larger community surrounding the city.

Immersion is critical to understanding how each is special. That means attending events and getting out and about to ensure you’re staying in tune with what people are talking about. Sarasota is a social place, and engaging with readers is an essential part of understanding what’s timely and relevant and how to make a difference. 

In addition to knowing what the news is, you’ll be responsible for guiding your team of reporters to produce standout content for digital and print, always thinking creatively about how stories are told. How? By planning, coordinating and staying a step ahead — always.  You’ll also be the glue between reporters and designers to translate the executive editor’s goals and vision into a high-level of execution.

Must-haves include:

• Proven copy-editing skills, including knowledge of all things AP style
• Three to five years' editing and management experience 
• Excellent communication skills with both leadership and your team
• Excellent news judgment for a weekly audience
• Ability to think through stories visually
• Enthusiasm for community and getting involved
• A wicked sense of humor
• A hard worker who’s not afraid to try new things
• Great leadership skills and a lead-by-example mindset
• Ability to collaborate with a team of young reporters and editors
• A passion for thinking outside of the box and creating unique content 
• An obsession with improvement and a commitment to excellence
  
  

Why should you choose us? 

You can tell the moment you enter our offices that you aren't in your average newsroom. We have a simple motto that describes our culture: If you can dream it, you can do it. We give our staff the freedom to think big and the support to put ideas into action. We also work as a team, and you'll find everyone is a cheerleader for creating new things, whether it's an advertising initiative or a special print product. We strive for excellence every day in everything we do, and we're looking for others who do the same. Like to work hard? You'll be rewarded — as a thriving media company, we've got ample opportunities.

Interested? Send your resume and a cover letter to Executive Editor Kat Wingert at kwingert@yourobserver.com. Please put “managing editor” in the subject line.