Job Description

Managing Editor

Leadership Institute – Campus Reform has retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search. Please get in touch with Leah Nalepa at leah@recruitbigfish.com for any questions or referrals regarding the role.

Big Fish is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in the talent needed to drive policy change. Visit us at recruitbigfish.com to learn more.

About the Role

The Leadership Institute is seeking a Managing Editor to lead editorial strategy and day-to-day operations for its flagship campus news outlet, Campus Reform . As the nation’s premier source for conservative campus news, Campus Reform plays a vital role in exposing liberal bias and abuses in higher education. The Managing Editor will take the helm of the editorial team—directing news coverage, managing editorial staff and contributors, and ensuring the publication delivers timely, impactful, and mission-aligned journalism.

This is a key leadership position that reports directly to the Editor in Chief and is responsible for managing the full editorial process—from story ideation and editing to publication and promotion. The Managing Editor will play a central role in shaping the voice and impact of Campus Reform while driving audience growth across digital platforms.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Arlington, VA .

Key Responsibilities

• Editorial Oversight : Lead the editorial team in planning, assigning, and editing stories with a focus on high-impact investigative reporting, breaking news, and campus coverage.

• Strategic Editorial Planning : Collaborate with the Editor in Chief to refine editorial priorities, identify story themes, and set ambitious growth and engagement goals.

• Team Leadership & Development : Manage and mentor a team of writers, editors, and nationwide correspondents. Provide training in both written and broadcast journalism.

• Editorial Standards & Integrity : Maintain rigorous editorial standards, enforce journalistic ethics, and ensure legal and factual accuracy across all content.

• Media & Public Engagement : Serve as a key spokesperson for Campus Reform, appearing on national media and coaching reporters for public-facing opportunities.

• Digital Strategy & Growth : Work closely with social and digital teams to oversee content distribution, maximize audience reach, and innovate digital storytelling formats.

• Crisis & Breaking News Response : Monitor emerging news cycles and lead coverage strategies, ensuring rapid and effective editorial responses.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in journalism, media, communications, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow editorial teams, manage competing priorities, and uphold editorial excellence.

• Proven track record of producing or overseeing impactful news coverage, particularly investigative or political content.

• Deep understanding of conservative principles, media dynamics, and Campus Reform’s mission and audience.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; confident media presence across television, radio, or podcast formats.

• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment with a fast-moving news cycle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in covering higher education or public policy.

• Experience in broadcast journalism, podcast production, or digital content strategy.

• Familiarity with media analytics tools and performance-driven content management.

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