About Democracy Docket

Democracy Docket is the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.

Founded in 2020 by Democratic voting rights attorney Marc Elias, Democracy Docket is a reliable source of news that delivers detailed analysis and expert commentary on voting rights and election litigation and policy that will shape our elections and democratic institutions for years to come. With a comprehensive database of over 1,000 cases, Democracy Docket tracks and reports on the latest election and voting-related litigation, providing filings, in-depth analysis and up-to-date developments about court proceedings.

We offer free daily and weekly newsletters to our over 400,000 subscribers as well as a premium membership with exclusive content. Our social media presence continues to grow with over 1 million total followers across our channels, including 400,000+ YouTube subscribers. By providing our readers with breaking news updates, long-form analysis pieces and op-eds from elected officials, legal experts and voting rights activists, Democracy Docket is committed to helping people better understand the greatest challenges facing voters and our democracy.

Job Overview 

Democracy Docket is seeking a News Editor to play a vital role in shaping Democracy Docket’s original journalism. The ideal candidate will be excited about our newsroom’s commitment to journalism that is proudly pro-democracy and that doesn’t flinch from calling out powerful anti-democratic actors in clear language. They will also bring a solid grasp of voting and democracy issues and excellent news judgment, partnering with our reporters to produce compelling news and enterprise stories, and newsletters, that highlight key threats to democracy and efforts to protect it.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct a small team of reporters as they produce original journalism and cover breaking news on the fight for U.S. democracy.
• Identify key storylines and opportunities for enterprise reporting, and assign them to reporters. 
• Guide reporters through the news-gathering process — pushing for scoops, suggesting new angles, discussing ideas, etc.
• Quickly sharpen drafts of stories and newsletters to make the finished product even stronger — including by asking for more reporting when needed.
• Closely monitor the news to help ensure we are covering key developments. 
• Contribute bold, engaging headlines and ledes that don’t shy away from calling out efforts to undermine democracy.
• Collaborate with Democracy Docket’s Social, Video, and Growth teams on promotion and other organizational goals.
• Work closely with Democracy Docket’s Managing Editor and existing News Editor to ensure our coverage is timely, accurate, and provides maximum value to our readers.

Required Qualifications

• Experience managing reporters and assigning stories in a fast-paced news environment.
• Strong news judgment and an understanding of how to plan ahead to deploy reporting resources to cover major, ongoing stories.
• A solid grasp of national politics and policy. Experience as an editor or reporter on voting and democracy stories is a huge plus. 
• Skill in quickly and confidently line-editing a draft to make it as compelling as possible — including recognizing what it still needs.
• Some schedule flexibility, including being able to work some evening/weekend hours, especially in the run-up to elections. 
• Concern about the dangers U.S. democracy currently faces, and an eagerness to contribute to the fight to protect and strengthen it.

Work Environment
This is a full-time role based out of either our Washington, D.C. or Jersey City office. We currently operate on a hybrid schedule, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays and in-office days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This role will report to the Managing Editor and be part of the News Team, working closely with our existing News Editor and our Managing Editor, as well as our team of reporters.

This position will require some availability during evening and weekend hours. You should be comfortable adapting to fast-paced workflows and being responsive to urgent editorial needs, including outside of normal business hours.

REQUIRED: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and short memo listing at least three published stories that you edited, and explaining your contribution to each one.

Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000

Democracy Docket is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.