Managing Editor, Here & Now

THE OPPORTUNITY

Here & Now is one of public radio's most trusted and widely distributed programs — reaching 5 million listeners weekly across 500 member stations. At a moment when public media is navigating profound shifts in how audiences consume news, how trust is built, and how journalism integrity is upheld, this role is pivotal.

WBUR is seeking a Managing Editor to help shape Here & Now's editorial vision, standards, and content strategy across multiple platforms while building an exceptional editorial team. This is a rare opportunity to shape a program with deep audience trust and national reach — and to help define what authoritative, accessible public-interest journalism looks like for the next decade.

This position is based in Boston and reports to the Here & Now Executive Producer.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Managing Editor is Here & Now’s editorial conscience and operating backbone. You will:

• Drive cross-platform storytelling that multiplies impact and reaches diverse audiences

• Lead aspects of the program's daily editorial execution while stewarding longer-term content strategy

• Lead a high-performing editorial team with hiring, development, and coaching

• Champion the highest editorial standards across all platforms — broadcast, digital, podcast, social, and video

• Translate between immediate operational needs (breaking news at 11:47am) and strategic thinking (audience engagement strategies that compound over years)

• You thrive in fast-moving, mission-driven environments where journalism integrity is non-negotiable and impact is measurable.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

JOURNALISTIC LEADERSHIP & EDITORIAL STANDARDS (40%)

Editorial Authority & Quality Assurance

• Own Here & Now’s editorial standards across all outputs: broadcast, digital, podcast, social, video, and emerging platforms

• Serve as editorial backstop for significant stories: review and approve editorial decisions, navigate sensitive coverage, and ensure journalism is defensible at every touchpoint

• Edit scripts, guide story framing, and provide real-time editorial counsel to producers and hosts during broadcasts and breaking news

• Maintain fluency in NPR, WBUR, and industry editorial standards; ensure consistent application across the team

• Represent Here & Now's editorial voice and standards to member stations, NPR, and external partners

Manage Enterprise & Impact Reporting

• Oversee development of high-impact enterprise journalism and special series (e.g., Reverse Course)

• Ensure the program's best stories reach the broadest audiences through multimedia distribution — working with the national Digital Team, NPR network colleagues, and member station partners

• Liaise with Member Partnerships to identify editorial-driven revenue opportunities

• Champion use of new technologies and formats to enhance reporting: video, interactive visuals, podcasting, and emerging storytelling approaches

CONTENT STRATEGY & CROSS-PLATFORM GROWTH (30%)

Strategic Vision & Audience Development

• In partnership with the Executive Producer, develop and steward a content strategy that serves existing audiences while growing reach across diverse communities and platforms

• Lead cross-platform editorial thinking: expand story development from broadcast to social, digital, podcast, and video 

• Partner with WBUR's Digital Team for National Shows to evolve editorial and audience development strategies

• Champion data-informed editorial decision-making: use audience analytics, performance metrics, and engagement data to surface insights and inform coverage priorities

• Monitor news landscape, audience preferences, and editorial trends to keep Here & Now relevant, distinctive, and essential

Daily Editorial Planning & Priorities

• Set story priorities for the show in collaboration with executive producer and senior managing editor

• Oversee editorial planning workflows to ensure seamless daily execution

• Coordinate with host producers on off-air week work to align with show priorities and longer-term strategy

• Manage seasonal coverage and major news events planning (elections, breaking news, etc.)

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT (30%)

Hiring, Management & Development

• Directly manage editorial staff (producers, editors, reporters). Set clear expectations, deliver timely feedback, and invest in each person's growth

• Hire deliberately for editorial excellence and cultural fit; build inclusive, high-performing teams

• Conduct regular 1-on-1s and annual performance reviews; create clear paths for advancement

• Identify and develop future leaders within the editorial team

• Foster a culture of editorial excellence, curiosity, and continuous improvement

• Work closely with hosts, executive producer, managing producer for digital, and senior managing editor to maintain efficient, high-quality daily production

Required Skills

KEY COMPETENCIES & SELECTION CRITERIA

Required

• 8+ years of professional journalism experience with a demonstrated record of upholding rigorous standards — accuracy, fairness, independence, transparency

• At least 3 years in a senior editorial leadership role (managing desk, editorial management, or equivalent)

• Strong editorial judgment across hard news, politics, features, breaking coverage, and live broadcast environments

• Working knowledge of broadcast journalism, digital storytelling, and multimedia formats

• Proven ability to set and enforce editorial standards without being doctrinaire; balance consistency with flexibility and fairness

• Diplomatic under pressure; manage competing stakeholder interests (hosts, producers, stations, leadership) with clarity and composure

• Excellent communication skills; translate complex editorial and strategic decisions for individuals, leadership, and partners

Preferred

• Experience in public media, nonprofit journalism, or NPR ecosystem with an understanding of member station relationships

• Track record of leading teams through organizational or platform change

• Experience with podcast production, digital-first strategies, or multimedia content strategy

• Hands-on data analytics experience and comfort with editorial management platforms

• Familiarity with audience membership and revenue models in public media

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.