Managing Editor

We're hiring at Placement Theory!

We're looking for a managing editor who can help drive the editorial vision of the podcast we produce with KCRW, "Question Everything", where we take novel approaches to exploring the contested work of journalists.

We're looking for an experienced, imaginative editor who can pressure test ideas; lead our small team as we shepherd stories from pitch to reporting to structuring to writing to release; tell when a story isn't working and whether it should be killed or reimagined; brainstorm new ideas for our ambitious show to tackle; and devise ingenious ways for the program to grow its audience and reach.

It's no small privilege to have a journalistic outfit -- in public radio no less -- that is growing its team right now and trying to break new ground. We take the responsibility of covering our crucial beat in an engaging and arresting way seriously.

I'll drop a link to the job description [below]. Please send an email to [click apply] if you're interested.

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Managing Editor - Question Everything

If you're interested in this role, email us with a CV and/or a description of why your experience is well-suited for the position at [click apply].

About the Show

We’re an investigative podcast rooted in journalism, storytelling, and public service produced by Placement Theory and KCRW. The show follows big, thorny questions wherever they lead — through narrative reporting, sharp interviews, and editorial boldness. We're public radio-adjacent, but independent in voice, form,and structure. This is a place for ambitious journalism and adventurous storytelling.

About the Role

We’re hiring a Managing Editor to help lead our editorial team and shape the direction of the show week to week. You’ll edit episodes directly, guide reporters and producers through story development, and oversee a small team of contributing editors to ensure that each story reaches its full potential. You’ll work closely with the host and executive producer to shape the season’s arc, manage editorial priorities, and maintain the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and voice. You should bring strong narrative instincts, a love of collaboration, and the judgment to help us decide when a story works — and when it doesn’t.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with the Host and EPs on editorial strategy, planning and story selection. Align on editorial and production goals for the season, and ensure high standards of quality across episodes while executing those goals.
• Run story meetings.
• Pitch and develop ideas for the show to pursue.
• Assign stories to producers and lead editors.
• Manage production team and contributing editors.
• Assess ongoing editorial needs of stories and the effect on production schedule. Working with the associate coordinating producer, oversee the editorial calendar and production timelines according to the needs of deadlines with KCRW and the needs of stories and staff, concurrently.
• Mentor producers, providing thoughtful feedback and guidance about story ideas and reporting threads.
• Contribute and develop ideas for how to give the show an exciting and innovative presence on social media, Substack, in promotions, that are in line with its editorial voice and vision.
• Act as lead editor on the majority of QE episodes. This includes:
  • Running edits on stories (generally 1 tape listen and 3 edits)
  • Determining story viability and needs – should it be killed? Does it need more time?
  • Shaping story structure, sharpening writing, and ensuring narrative clarity.
  • Working with fact-checkers and legal counsel to ensure accuracy and journalistic integrity

Who You Are

• A seasoned editor with 7+ years of experience in journalism, including at least 3 years in longform audio
• Someone who has edited stories directly and also led a team of editors
• Deeply comfortable in fast-paced news environments, with a passion for accountability journalism
• Excellent at giving and receiving feedback — and knowing when a story needs to change course
• A clear and confident communicator who thrives on collaboration
• Skilled at juggling multiple stories in different stages of production
• Curious about the world and excited by stories that surprise, challenge, or reframe familiar narratives

How We Work

We’re building something new — and we want someone who thrives in that environment. Here's the kind of person who will succeed in this role:

• Holds a high bar for excellence, accuracy, and fairness at every stage of the process
• Values collaboration and sees group edits, shared notes, and brainstorms as essential to strong work
• Brings humility and honesty to feedback — including knowing when a story’s not working
• Can zoom out to manage a story arc or even seasonal arc while zooming in on line edits and pacing
• Balances resilience with flexibility — plans ahead, but pivots fast
• Stays plugged into current events and always looks for angles others might miss
• Is curious, creative, and excited to experiment with form and storytelling
• Can manage chaos with humor and calm (we're a regular show about the news — things move quickly)

This is a contract position. The compensation range for this role is $160,000–$180,000 annually. The range represents a good faith estimate of what we would pay for this role, depending on factors such as experience, skills, training, and other business considerations. For full-time offers, we also offer competitive equity grants.

We are open to both remote and hybrid arrangements, with a preference for candidates who can work partially in-person in Brooklyn, NY. We are also open to unconventional arrangements candidates who might have other ongoing projects.

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☀️ To apply to this role, click the big purple "Apply" button on this page. If the pop-up is a profile or an email draft, send them a message per any requirements above. Otherwise, fill out the attached form.

⚠️ Please DO NOT APPLY if you cannot demonstrate relevant experience in the key areas listed above or meet the location requirements. 

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