Title: Managing Editor, Reading Universe

Status: Full-time, Exempt, Grant-funded for 3 years

Reports to:  Senior Director, Reading Universe

JOB OBJECTIVE:

Reading Universe is an ambitious new national project which we hope will become the definitive online guide to teaching reading and writing effectively.  Reading Universe is a collaboration among WETA, the Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book, with other national organizations engaged as partners and supporters.  We launched our prototype site in July 2023. 
Reading Universe aims to be a state-of-the-art, research-based, video-rich service that offers systematic, comprehensive professional development.  Reading Universe will primarily serve teachers in grades pre-K-6^th grade, along with reading coaches and other educators.   Reading Universe will complement WETA’s established national education websites, which include (among others) Reading Rockets, Colorin Colorado, and AdLit.org.

As the Managing Editor, you will be actively involved in all editorial elements of the project, including:

• Refining our plan for which content to include in Reading Universe, how it will be organized, and how it will be presented. We’ll complete that plan in close collaboration with our expert advisers, our teacher cadre, and other vital constituents.
• Producing and acquiring engaging content, including in-classroom video, authoritative articles, expert interviews, and an opportunity for teachers to work collaboratively and to find answers to their individual questions.
• Reaching out to prospective funders and other key stakeholders to brief them about Reading Universe, invite their feedback, and secure their support or collaboration. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Direct and conduct the production and publication of accessible, authoritative, and appealing online content for Reading Universe.
• Engage and manage freelance writers and editors for Reading Universe.
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• Write original content for the Reading Universe website, our e-newsletter, and our social media posts.
• Assume primary responsibility for editing the written work of other contributors to Reading Universe.
• Deepen our relationships with experts in literacy, education organizations, and parent groups, to make connections that will help in producing and acquiring content and ensuring that we can serve the broadest possible audience.
• Represent Reading Universe as requested in holding meetings with partners and experts and in making public presentations.
• Monitor blogs, websites, journals, and news articles for new developments in the world of literacy.
• Help ensure that Reading Universe meets all deadlines and fulfills its commitments to funders, partners, and underwriters.
• Collaborate with site directors in WETA Learning Media to share and adopt best practices.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Reading Universe and thevideo team at Learning Media to help ensure that our print, multimedia, and video content is planned carefully and presented effectively on Reading Universe.
• Work closely with the Vice President of Learning Media to identify and cultivate prospective funders and to contribute to fundraising proposals as needed.
• Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Outstanding skills as a writer and editor.
• Journalistic experience in the education field strongly preferred.
• Proven knowledge of online media production, publication, and distribution.
• Familiarity with current reading research and with the challenges facing teachers in grades pre-K-6.
• Proven ability to manage complex, long-term projects.
• Familiarity with social media being used effectively to serve educators.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities and deadline pressures.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Clear and colloquial writing style.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise considerable initiative and sound judgment

     EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• College degree in a related field (e.g., English, education, journalism, history) preferred.
• Extensive experience as a published writer, especially pieces about reading and elementary education, is preferred.
• Prior experience supervising multiple staff.
• Teaching experience in grades pre-K through 6^th grade and/ or completed courses related to literacy, speech pathology, or linguistics is desirable.
• Experience with educational websites or professional development efforts with a focus on literacy and elementary education is preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations.  We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.  WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible.  Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously. 

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.