Part-time Digital Editor

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.

This editor manages the website, social media and other digital assets throughout the day.

This position involves managing the day-to-day operations of the website, using tools to connect with readers, such as social media, newsletters and SEO. This person uses and presents analytics to other key members of the newsroom to better shape and promote our coverage. This person also will help spearhead our efforts to integrate more video and other multimedia into our assorted products (including the website and social media).

The position may evolve over time, based on the newsroom’s needs and the editor’s interests.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Edit and post stories and opinion pieces, as needed
• Manage social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn and Google News Showcase, along with corresponding reader messages.
• Manage newsroom video assets and find ways to expand use of vertical, short-form video on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
• Provide support in sending breaking news and special report, as needed
• Keep the homepage fresh and dynamic during their shift, rotating featured stories and updating “editor’s picks.”
• Monitor the obituaries Slack channel and publish any new submissions in a timely manner
• Share daily, weekly and monthly analytics reports
• Support the editdesk and opinion editor with assorted duties, as needed.

• Communicates professionally with contributors, sources, readers and colleagues
• Attends and participates in newsroom, all-staff and, as needed, cross-functional team meetings
• Attends VTDigger events, as needed
• Other duties as assigned by their editor.

Position Requirements

• Commitment and dedication to VTDigger’s mission, goals and values
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Commitment to accuracy and fairness
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards
• A digital-first mentality and interest in ensuring newsletters serve readers
• Commitment to cultivating and developing an inclusive culture and working relationships across the organization and enhancing a sense of belonging
• Communicative and collaborative across the organization, with employees and with VTDigger’s audiences
• Maintaining high standards of expectations for themself, their team, the leadership and the organization
• Commitment to continual improvement and learning

Skills and Experience

• Professional reporting, editing, fact-checking, opinion editing and/or digital strategy experience
• Ability to meet short deadlines
• Clear understanding of journalism principles, ethics, standards and style
• Knowledge of analytics, Adobe Suite, Wordpress CMS, digital management tools are preferred but not required
• Curiosity, flexibility and a willingness to tackle stories over a range of subjects

Working Conditions

Our office is located in Montpelier, Vermont. This position is hybrid remote, with two regular in-office days each week (to be set with your supervisor)

Hours

We envision this editor would work from 8 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the exact schedule can be determined with the senior editor in the context of the newsroom’s needs. This editor may occasionally cover events at night and over the weekend, in consultation with their editor. This editor will fill in for the night editor when they are on PTO.

Physical Demands

Work involves accomplishing most duties from a seated or standing position. This position may involve frequent bending, standing for extended periods of time, walking and working in all types of weather conditions. Transportation to assignments around the region, conducting in-person interviews and attending public meetings are necessary. There is potential for eye strain from reading detailed materials on a computer screen. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods, and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The pay range for this role is:
25 - 28 USD per hour(Montpelier Office)