Assigning Editor – $50,000 – $60,000 a year
Flagship Publishing is home to a collection of vibrant, award-winning regional magazines that celebrate the places, people and stories that make our communities unique. With a focus on quality journalism, compelling design and authentic voice, our titles connect deeply with readers across the Great Plains, Mountain West and beyond.
Position Overview
We’re looking for an editorially sharp, highly organized Assigning Editor to help shape and manage the flow of stories across our magazines. You’ll be responsible for coordinating a large and diverse network of freelance writers and photographers, overseeing assignments from pitch to publish.
Working closely with the Managing Editor, you’ll play a central role in planning issues, developing story ideas and ensuring the right contributors are lined up to deliver exceptional place-based, narrative journalism. You’ll also be responsible for assigning photography, providing visual direction and ensuring that imagery meets editorial and design needs.
This role requires someone who is equal parts story editor, project manager and talent scout – someone who can juggle dozens of active assignments at once and has an eye for identifying emerging voices and fresh visual perspectives that reflect the regions we cover.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a high volume of story and photography assignments across multiple publications
- Develop and assign stories that align with editorial calendars, themes and brand voice
- Assign photographers and coordinate visual assets for each story in collaboration with design and editorial teams
- Provide clear briefs and creative direction to writers and photographers
- Track deadlines, manage drafts and revisions and ensure quality and accuracy in all submissions
- Scout, vet and onboard new contributors – writers and photographers – who bring diverse perspectives and regional insight
- Maintain and grow a trusted, dependable contributor network across multiple geographies
- Review and edit story submissions for narrative strength, voice and alignment with Flagship’s editorial standards
- Edit shorter stories and departments as needed
- Participate in editorial meetings and contribute to long-term planning conversations
Qualifications
- 5+ years of editorial experience, including assigning and managing a high volume of freelance contributors
- Strong narrative sensibility and a clear understanding of place-based journalism
- Experience working directly with photographers, including coordinating shoots or image acquisition
- Excellent organization and time management skills – able to keep dozens of moving parts on track
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with AP Style and editorial production workflows
- Comfortable using Dropbox, Slack, Microsoft Teams and other collaborative platforms
- Collaborative spirit and the ability to work independently while staying connected to a distributed team
Nice to Have
- Background in regional, lifestyle or longform journalism
- Familiarity with InCopy or InDesign
- Experience with digital publishing or cross-platform editorial planning
- Curiosity and openness to new tools – including generative AI and editorial tech – that improve quality and efficiency
- A thoughtful, calm approach to deadline pressure
How to Apply
Please email the following materials to careers@flagshippublishing.com with the subject line:
“Assigning Editor Application – [Your Name]”
- A short cover letter introducing yourself and your editorial approach
- Résumé highlighting relevant experience
- Two to three clips or stories you’ve edited (and assigned, if applicable)
- A sample story brief for a writer and photographer, including a working headline, assignment angle, tone guidance and visual direction
- References upon request
We’re looking for someone who can keep a wide network of creatives on track, shape meaningful stories and ensure every assignment – written or visual – reflects the spirit and quality of our regional publications.
Research:
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Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: Remote