Managing Editor, Here & Now

THE OPPORTUNITY

Here & Now is one of public radio's most trusted and widely distributed programs — reaching 5 million listeners weekly across 500 member stations. At a moment when public media is navigating profound shifts in how audiences consume news, how trust is built, and how journalism integrity is upheld, this role is pivotal.

WBUR is seeking a Managing Editor to help shape Here & Now's editorial vision, standards, and content strategy across multiple platforms while building an exceptional editorial team. This is a rare opportunity to shape a program with deep audience trust and national reach — and to help define what authoritative, accessible public-interest journalism looks like for the next decade.

This position is based in Boston and reports to the Here & Now Executive Producer.

 

ROLE SUMMARY

The Managing Editor is Here & Now’s editorial conscience and operating backbone. You will:

• Drive cross-platform storytelling that multiplies impact and reaches diverse audiences

• Lead aspects of the program's daily editorial execution while stewarding longer-term content strategy

• Lead a high-performing editorial team with hiring, development, and coaching

• Champion the highest editorial standards across all platforms — broadcast, digital, podcast, social, and video

• Translate between immediate operational needs (breaking news at 11:47am) and strategic thinking (audience engagement strategies that compound over years)

• You thrive in fast-moving, mission-driven environments where journalism integrity is non-negotiable and impact is measurable.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

JOURNALISTIC LEADERSHIP & EDITORIAL STANDARDS (40%)

Editorial Authority & Quality Assurance

• Own Here & Now’s editorial standards across all outputs: broadcast, digital, podcast, social, video, and emerging platforms

• Serve as editorial backstop for significant stories: review and approve editorial decisions, navigate sensitive coverage, and ensure journalism is defensible at every touchpoint

• Edit scripts, guide story framing, and provide real-time editorial counsel to producers and hosts during broadcasts and breaking news

• Maintain fluency in NPR, WBUR, and industry editorial standards; ensure consistent application across the team

• Represent Here & Now's editorial voice and standards to member stations, NPR, and external partners

Manage Enterprise & Impact Reporting

• Oversee development of high-impact enterprise journalism and special series (e.g., Reverse Course)

• Ensure the program's best stories reach the broadest audiences through multimedia distribution — working with the national Digital Team, NPR network colleagues, and member station partners

• Liaise with Member Partnerships to identify editorial-driven revenue opportunities

• Champion use of new technologies and formats to enhance reporting: video, interactive visuals, podcasting, and emerging storytelling approaches
  

CONTENT STRATEGY & CROSS-PLATFORM GROWTH (30%)

Strategic Vision & Audience Development

• In partnership with the Executive Producer, develop and steward a content strategy that serves existing audiences while growing reach across diverse communities and platforms

• Lead cross-platform editorial thinking: expand story development from broadcast to social, digital, podcast, and video 

• Partner with WBUR's Digital Team for National Shows to evolve editorial and audience development strategies

• Champion data-informed editorial decision-making: use audience analytics, performance metrics, and engagement data to surface insights and inform coverage priorities

• Monitor news landscape, audience preferences, and editorial trends to keep Here & Now relevant, distinctive, and essential

Daily Editorial Planning & Priorities

• Set story priorities for the show in collaboration with executive producer and  senior managing editor

• Oversee editorial planning workflows to ensure seamless daily execution

• Coordinate with host producers on off-air week work to align with show priorities and longer-term strategy

• Manage seasonal coverage and major news events planning (elections, breaking news, etc.)

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT (30%)

Hiring, Management & Development

• Directly manage editorial staff (producers, editors, reporters). Set clear expectations, deliver timely feedback, and invest in each person's growth

• Hire deliberately for editorial excellence and cultural fit; build inclusive, high-performing teams

• Conduct regular 1-on-1s and annual performance reviews; create clear paths for advancement

• Identify and develop future leaders within the editorial team

• Foster a culture of editorial excellence, curiosity, and continuous improvement

• Work closely with hosts, executive producer, managing producer for digital, and senior managing editor to maintain efficient, high-quality daily production