Editor in Chief (Chicago Reader)

Overview

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Title : Editor in Chief

Division : Chicago Reader

Independent journalism is the lifeblood of the Chicago Reader. That work has never been more important as legacy media brands become increasingly captured by special interests and our democracy, sense of community, and collective joy diminish. The Reader needs a new Editor in Chief who can meet this moment and lead the publication into its next chapter with a renewed focus on arts, culture, civic life, politics and news, ambitious feature and investigative reporting, and more.

This position will lead the editorial department of the 54-year-old Reader. That department has guided the paper to award-winning recognition, raised the profile of countless local artists, and taught tens of thousands of newcomers to the city how to be Chicagoans.

The Editor in Chief is responsible for the editorial vision, strategy, and overall success of the paper. An ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with deep experience in arts and culture coverage, familiarity with a variety of storytelling formats, devotion to the highest ethical standards of journalistic integrity, and a creative approach to finding stories that might otherwise be missed.

The Reader is a storied publication that is poised for an exciting and ambitious new chapter under Noisy Creek. Noisy Creek is a growing network of alternative weekly publications, including the Seattle-based Stranger and the Portland Mercury.

This is a hybrid position, and the Editor in Chief must be able to attend regular meetings in the Reader’s current Bronzeville office or a future location in Chicago. The Editor in Chief will periodically need to be available to attend virtual meetings in Pacific Time.

Candidates should include a cover letter articulating a brief vision for the next era of the Reader.

Responsibilities

Lead a team that produces multiformat reporting, including explanatory long-form journalism, social media posts, collaborations with the Art Department, short news pieces, and deep dives into arts and culture

Help editorial team members develop their beats and stories

Develop and uphold a strong workplace culture with empathetic leadership, high journalistic integrity, and a commitment to engaging the Reader Union

Edit columns and features for both the website and the print paper, overseeing fact-checking, spelling, grammar, writing style, page design, and photo selection

Hit production deadlines and goals for both print and digital formats

Collaborate with sales and marketing leads to identify opportunities and plan special issues

Qualifications

Essential qualifications :

7+ years of journalism experience

Strong news judgment and storytelling ability

Experience working with and managing multidisciplinary teams and fostering collaborations among reporters, the Art Department, and other team members

Demonstrated experience shaping a wide variety of stories

Demonstrated experience coaching other journalists to increase their technical and journalistic skills

Preferred qualifications :

3+ years of experience as an editor and manager

Deep experience covering arts and culture, and writing long-form journalism

Experience working with a variety of story formats and harnessing new technologies to tell stories in new ways

Ability to manage budgets

Job Details

Job Type :

This is a full-time, exempt, non-union position.

Reports to : Interim Publisher

Direct Reports :

Section Editors (e.g., News Editor, Music Editor), Managing Editor, Senior Graphic Designer

Salary : $125,000 to $150,000

Benefits

Health Insurance :

Employer contributes toward medical, dental, and vision premiums

Retirement Plan :

SIMPLE IRA with employer-matching contributions

Paid Time Off :

Twelve company-paid holidays, the business days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and one day off for a birthday (on the day of, or during the month), plus accrued vacation time

Employee Assistance Program :

Access to wellness and financial support services

Equal Opportunity Employer

Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We realize that not everyone receives the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don’t meet all the above qualifications but still think you’d be a good fit, please consider applying. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. If you want to be part of a team where your skills and ideas are valued, we want to hear from you! The Reader is committed to creating a collaborative environment that celebrates the diversity of our staff.

About Noisy Creek

As of August 2025, the Chicago Reader has joined Noisy Creek — a fast-growing media company that supports local journalism with unique and diverse revenue streams. With the support of Noisy Creek, the Reader is poised for its next chapter of impact and growth. As Editor in Chief, you’ll lead this legacy publication into the future, ensuring it continues to thrive as both a cultural touchstone and a driver of civic discourse.

Application Deadline

Priority deadline for applications :

September 30, 2025

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