Editor

Northwest Florida (Crestview • Milton • Navarre)
Position Type: Full-Time | Salary Commensurate with Experience

This isn’t a corporate newsroom. We’re hiring an Editor who believes truth matters, ethics aren’t optional, and local journalism still has teeth. Lead an award-winning newsroom where excellence is the standard — not a slogan.

About Us

Sandpaper Publishing is an award-winning community news organization serving Northwest Florida through Navarre Press, Santa Rosa Press Gazette, and Crestview News Bulletin.

Our publications have a combined legacy of more than a century of trusted journalism. Navarre Press has won best in the state of Florida seven times and have always been in the top two. Since acquiring additional titles in 2022, our papers have won Best Weekly Newspaper in Florida multiple times, with peers across the country recognizing our work as innovative, ethical, and community-focused.

We believe local journalism matters — and that editors are the guardians of truth, context, and public trust.

About the Role

We are seeking a strong, principled Editor who believes journalism is a public service, not a branding exercise. This role oversees daily publishing operations across print and digital platforms and reports directly to the Publisher.

This is a leadership role for someone who:

• Believes the truth is our currency
• Holds journalism to ethical standards, not trends
• Is willing to ask hard questions and hold power accountable
• Wants to build something meaningful in the communities we serve

If you are looking for a newsroom where ethics are optional or advocacy replaces reporting, this is not the role for you.

Our Journalism Philosophy

• We follow the SPJ Code of Ethics
• We believe in FOIA and watchdog journalism
• We look for the truth and report it - good, bad, or uncomfortable
• We do not practice "gotcha" journalism
• We report facts — not narratives
• Opinions belong on the editorial page, not in news stories
• We do not withhold news or “spin” coverage
• When in doubt, we leave it out

We are reporters — not repeaters — and our editor sets that standard.

Key ResponsibilitiesEditorial Leadership & Operations

• Oversee all daily publishing operations across print, web, and digital platforms
• Collaborate with the Publisher on editorial strategy, content priorities, and direction
• Plan and approve assignments for reporters, editors, photographers, and freelancers
• Enforce deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality
• Hire, coach, supervise, and mentor newsroom staff
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence

Editing, Content & Design Oversight

• Review, edit, proofread, and rewrite copy as needed
• Ensure content is accurate, contextual, relevant, unbiased, and legally compliant
• Maintain AP style standards
• Ensure ADA compliance for digital content (alt text, links, HTML tagging)
• Oversee layout, design, and presentation to keep publications compelling and readable
• Manage the editorial page, including editorials, guest columns, and letters to the editor
• Take on a beat and write as needed
• If you need a copy editor or news clerk to help - we will hire that person.

Compliance, Ethics & Problem Solving

• Ensure newsroom compliance with legal and ethical standards
• Identify potential legal risks before publication
• Resolve editorial or operational issues efficiently and professionally
• Attend events and represent the organization when needed

What We’re Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Editor or in a senior newsroom leadership role
• Exceptional editing, writing, and copy judgment skills
• Strong command of AP Style
• Deep understanding of journalism ethics and legal boundaries
• Experience managing people, workflows, and deadlines
• Ability to lead calmly in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Skills

• WordPress and digital publishing experience
• Working knowledge of SEO
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities
• Comfort balancing editorial integrity with operational realities

Education in journalism or a related field and/or equivalent professional experience required.

Our Core Values

• Excellence is our ordinary – average is not acceptable
• Personal accountability – when there’s a problem, you’re part of the solution
• Passion required – you either love journalism or this isn’t the place
• Service before self – we exist to serve our communities
• No task is beneath anyone – we lead by example
• Family first – we work hard without burning people out

Schedule & Work Environment

Editors don’t work 9–5 — and we won’t pretend they do. This role requires flexibility, including some nights, weekends, and holidays as news demands. That said, we work hard to ensure our editors do not live at the office.

We offer a casual, low-ego, high-standards newsroom where passion and professionalism coexist.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Short-term disability
• Matching 401k
• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• and more.

We are members of America’s Newspapers and the Florida Press Association.

How to Apply (If you do not submit a cover letter, you are weeding yourself out.)

Interested candidates should submit:

• A resume
• A cover letter including:
• What you know about Northwest Florida
• Why you are passionate about journalism
• 3–5 writing or editing samples

Salary will be based on experience and demonstrated ability. We believe in paying more than fair wages for exceptional work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Did you submit a cover letter? If not - you are weeding yourself out. Please follow the provided instructions.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Journalism: 5 years (Required)
• Management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person