Senior Managing Editor - Council of State Governments

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. To learn more about CSG please visit our website at www.csg.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

This opportunity is based in our Lexington, KY office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Managing Editor leads the editorial direction of The Council of State Governments (CSG) policy magazine and news content, focusing on state issues with national significance. This role requires a deep understanding of the policy landscape, a keen eye for news and the ability to connect state-level developments with broader national trends. The Senior Managing Editor is responsible for ensuring high-quality, engaging and relevant coverage that effectively communicates complex policy issues in a clear and compelling way.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the editorial planning and content creation for the CSG policy magazine, ensuring high-quality, engaging and relevant coverage of state issues.
• Act as the primary reporter on state policy issues, following the latest developments, understanding key players and drawing connections between state and national landscapes. Write, edit and produce news stories that are timely, accurate and insightful.
• Conduct in-depth research on state policies, legislative trends and emerging issues. Analyze how state-level actions impact the national conversation, translating complex topics into accessible content for a broad audience.
• Build and maintain relationships with state officials, policymakers and other stakeholders to stay informed on current issues and gain insights for reporting. Attend relevant events and briefings to gather information and network with key contacts.
• Work closely with the Communications and Membership Engagement team to align editorial content with our broader communications strategies. Collaborate with other departments to ensure consistent messaging and coverage across all platforms.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to writers and editors, fostering a collaborative and innovative editorial environment.
• Contribute to the development of our overall content strategy, ensuring that our policy magazine and news reporting are aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Understand the needs and interests of our readership, using this insight to tailor content that is relevant and engaging. Monitor audience feedback and analytics to refine content strategies.
• Stay informed about the latest trends in journalism, content creation and state policy. Bring new ideas to the table for improving content delivery and expanding the reach of our publications.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Superior editing, writing and proofreading skills.
• Strong project management, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects within tight deadlines with utmost attention to detail.
• Excellent process management, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Thorough understanding of publishing functions and processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Genuine interest in state policy and legislative processes.
• Experience with nonprofits, membership organizations or government entities is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meetings and regional events to capture and cover content.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor's degree in Journalism, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in journalism, editorial leadership, or a related field, with a strong focus on policy reporting. Experience covering state government and policy issues is highly preferred.

COMPENSATION

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in Lexington, KY is $72,500 to $85,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants must complete the online application and include resume and cover letter.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. CSG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.