Editor in Chief

Job Description

Injustice Watch is seeking an Editor in Chief to lead our nonprofit newsroom. The ideal candidate is an experienced manager and editor with a track record of successful investigative work who can demonstrate an understanding of the way courts impact local communities. The Editor in Chief will forge a strategy for scrutinizing the Cook County court system, provide high-level direction and hands-on supervision to the editorial team, and work across departments to maintain a standard of excellence in our journalism that aligns with the organization’s mission.

Our Editor in Chief will:

• Lead the editorial team in developing and executing a clear editorial vision and strategy for investigative and public-service projects on issues of equity and justice in the court system.

• Edit stories, delegate responsibilities, and oversee all Injustice Watch projects to the highest journalistic standards.

• Build and maintain collaborative and strategic partnerships with other newsrooms to raise the visibility of our work. 

• Direct all newsroom operations, including developing a newsroom structure, supervising editorial team members; and providing budget oversight. 

• Lead hiring for our editorial team, ensuring that our newsroom staff reflects the diversity of Chicago and the communities we cover.

• Represent Injustice Watch by appearing at public forums, conferences, and other events and communicate with stakeholders, as needed. 

• Foster and maintain an equitable, collaborative, and inclusive newsroom culture.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has at least five years of newsroom management experience and a track record of producing and editing impactful, community-centered journalism.

• Has extensive experience producing, editing, or overseeing large-scale investigative projects.

• Has a strong vision for journalism that is responsive to the people and communities most affected by the issues we cover.

• Is committed to building a caring work environment and culture by respectfully providing and accepting feedback, encouraging work-life balance, and providing steady and consistent mentorship.

While nothing below is a requirement, it’s a plus if you:

• Are knowledgeable about Chicagoland history, politics, institutions, and communities.

• Have experience covering the Cook County Circuit Court or other state court systems.

• Understand the complexities and challenges of digital security and source protection and can enforce best practices.

Reports to: Executive Director 

Directly supervises: Managing Editor; responsible for developing supervision structure for newsroom

Also works closely with: Audience Director, Development Director, and Operations Director

Time commitment: This is a full-time position based in Chicago. Our regular working hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Injustice Watch offers flex-time. While there is no regular requirement to work from our downtown office, employees are encouraged to use it, as needed, and required to attend some in-person meetings and events.

Compensation and benefits

Salary: $115,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits of working at Injustice Watch:

• 12 days paid time off (in the first year of employment)

• 12 days of sick leave

• 13 holidays

• A paid winter break and “Summer Fridays”

• Healthcare, dental, and vision insurance (100% coverage for employees)         

• A $1,500 annual professional development and workspace stipend

• A 6-month family leave plan, including 3 months paid and 3 months flexible leave 

• A $50/month phone and internet stipend

• A flexible work schedule 

A 401K plan 

 

About Injustice Watch

Injustice Watch is a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the court system.

Our goal is one of public service: to listen to and center people affected by institutional injustices and provide our community with the perspectives, information, and resources needed to hold power to account. We promote transparency and accountability in the court system through our large-scale, investigative projects. We work to ensure equitable access to information and strengthen democracy through intentional audience engagement and community-building.

Our work is guided by our core values of accessibility, collaboration, and care.

Since launching in 2015, Injustice Watch’s reporting has shifted policy and legislation, prompted investigations, sparked town halls and community conversations, helped increase voter participation in judicial elections, and more.

Apply here. 

The deadline to apply is Saturday, Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

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