| Date Posted | April 07, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital Media |
| Specialty | Not Specified |
| Remote / Telecommute | Hybrid |
| Job Status | Full-time |
| Salary | $67,000 - $72,000 |
Description:
In the 16 years since it was founded, VTDigger has become Vermont’s essential source of news and investigation — and a model for sustainable, nonprofit journalism across the country.
We work to promote our mission of producing rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, promotes public accountability and fosters democratic and civic engagement each and every day.
The senior editor’s primary responsibility is to lead a group of reporters from pitch to publication. The editor works with reporters to develop sources, shape story ideas, solve reporting problems and write excellent stories. The editor is responsible for first reads, rewrites, identifying omissions and ensuring fairness and accuracy. The editor also assists the other editors with second edits and some publishing responsibilities.
As a key member of the newsroom leadership team, senior editors work with other top editors to deliver on VTDigger’s mission of producing rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, promotes public accountability and fosters democratic and civic engagement. This collaborative group meets twice daily to determine coverage priorities, assess story ideas and address newsroom challenges.
As a digital news organization, VTDigger is always looking for new ways to deliver our reporting to our existing audience — and, just as importantly, to those we’re not yet reaching. We encourage our senior editors to probe and experiment with innovative journalism techniques. We value editors who can support reporters in identifying and quickly turning around the state’s most important stories but can also help reporters produce deeply reported and resonant investigative, enterprise and feature stories.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervises five newsroom reporters
- Also supervises one or two interns, as needed
Skills and Experience
- Substantial professional reporting or editing experience
- Editing experience preferred
- Ability to manage deadlines, workloads and changing priorities, particularly during peak periods
- Passion for investigative reporting
- Deep knowledge of journalism principles and standards
- Deep understanding of newsgathering practices and AP style
- Deep understanding of the First Amendment, Open Meeting Law, public records requests
- A digital-first mindset
- Proficiency with digital tools, such as Wordpress, Mailchimp, Adobe products, or a willingness to learn
- Knowledge of Vermont preferred
- Commitment and dedication to VTDigger’s mission, goals and values
- Commitment to accuracy and fairness
- Adherence to the highest ethical standards
- Commitment to cultivating and developing an inclusive culture and working relationships across the organization and enhancing a sense of belonging
Workplace, Workday, Work Schedule
Our office is located in Montpelier, Vermont. The senior editor is expected to regularly come to the office at least two days a week and travel around the state to support, coach and train their team of reporters as well as collaborate with other editors.
The senior editors generally work from 9 am to 6 pm, taking breaks during the day of roughly one hour. Occasionally, they will need to work later if there are big, late-breaking stories. In the recent past, a longer day has been needed roughly once a week. Occasionally, but not regularly, weekend work is required such as when the state experienced major flooding or there were planned No Kings protests. Members of the editorial leadership take turns being on call on weekends, which means each person is on duty roughly one weekend every four or five weeks. As currently envisioned, the editor who is on weekend rotation might take off one day during the week (not a Friday) as comp time.
Senior editors attend 30-minute news meetings twice a day, at 9:30 am and 3 pm. They check in with their team of reporters throughout the day, helping answer questions as they arise and intentionally offering upfront editing. They make themselves available whenever needed to talk with their team of reporters on the phone, in person or on digital channels. The editors hold at least one weekly meeting with each reporter to plan short-term and longer-term stories. Together with the reporters and the multimedia editor, senior editors coordinate the art that goes with each story. They do a first edit of the stories their reporters file. All stories are edited by two different editors before publication. Between 3:30 and 6 pm, the editors are available to finish editing not only any of their stories that remain to be reviewed but also any other stories from other editors that require a second edit. When needed, the editors also assist in posting stories on the website and performing other online publishing.
Hours
Senior editors are expected to be available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, but exact hours will vary based on news needs. When there is big breaking news, this position may occasionally need to work at night or over the weekend. Senior editors are on call on one weekend every four or five weeks, taking a comp day off the following week.
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