Managing Editor – Heartlander News

About Heartlander News

Heartlander News is a national news publication dedicated to providing accurate, valuesdriven journalism rooted in a politically conservative and Christian perspective. Headquartered in America’s heartland (Kansas City metro), we bring a common-sense outlook to the most important issues of the day.

Position Overview

Heartlander News is seeking an experienced in-person Managing Editor to manage daily editorial operations and content production. Reporting to the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing Editor will manage assignments, edit and publish stories, direct full-time reporters and freelancers, maintain high output volume, and ensure all content aligns with the publication’s mission and core values. This is a hands-on role ideal for a highly organized, deadline-driven journalist and editor who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. Importantly, we maintain a newsroom where reporter interests and passions are valued, and the managing editor must help maintain that culture.

Key Responsibilities

Content Planning & Assignment Management

• Work with the Editor-in-Chief to understand desired angles, prioritize coverage, and maintain alignment with Heartlander News’ mission and values.
• Monitor news wires, social media, tips, and other sources to identify potential original stories.
• Oversee article republication from partner publications.
• Maintain the editorial calendar and assignments spreadsheet.
• Approve story pitches and assign stories to reporters and freelancers.
• Maintain publication credibility by sniffing out poor sources, unsubstantiated claims, etc.
• Track assignment progress, follow up with writers, and adjust plans as news develops.

Editing, Publishing & Original Reporting

• Edit filed stories for accuracy, clarity, style, and alignment with Heartlander’s perspective.
• Oversee the loading and publishing of stories into WordPress, including selecting or creating featured images, assigning categories and tags.
• Write original news stories with reporting as needed to fill coverage gaps.
• Keep the “Received” folder organized and coordinate additional editing support when required.

Team & Freelancer Management

• Manage reporters and freelancers of varying experience levels: motivate, communicate clearly, hold accountable, and provide guidance.
• Handle freelancer administration, including finding talent, evaluating performance, approving invoices, and forwarding them to accounting.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in conservative journalism, including editor responsibilities.
• Strong deadline orientation and exceptional organizational skills.
• Superb attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely.
• Excellent editing skills with thorough familiarity with AP style.
• Strong people-management skills: ability to motivate writers, ensure clear communication, and hold team members accountable.
• Self-starter who works well as part of a team.
• Clear understanding of Christian, right-of-center perspectives and the ability to evaluate story angles accordingly (knowing what to foreground, avoid, or escalate to the Editor-in-Chief).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in conservative journalism.
• Podcast production or hosting experience.
• Passion for faith-based journalism and alignment with Heartlander News’ biblical worldview.
• Proficient in WordPress backend administration (inserting stories, categories, tags, featured images, creating authors, basic menu adjustments, etc.).
• Able to do simple photo editing (cropping, resizing, converting vertical photos to landscape with blur, creating small collages, adding headshots, etc.).