National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Is Hiring An Editor-in-Chief

Join The Forward as Our Next Editor-in-Chief 📢

Seeking a visionary leader to steer our historic Jewish journalism organization into a dynamic future, enhancing our reach, influence, and diversity.

📍 Location & Details

• Location: New York, NY (Hybrid office)
• Job Category: Online | New Media
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Salary: $200,000 - $250,000 USD per year
• Posted: 05.30.2025

🔎 About The Forward

The Forward, established in 1897, is the premier Jewish voice in American journalism. We are committed to independent, non-partisan reporting that informs, inspires, and connects the diverse Jewish community. From our Yiddish roots to our current digital platform, we reach millions through compelling reporting, commentary, and storytelling that reflect Jewish life’s full spectrum.

Known for excellence, our journalism frequently wins awards and is cited by outlets like The New York Times, Politico, and The New Yorker. Our journalists appear across broadcast TV, radio, podcasts, and multimedia, with a presence in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, West Virginia, and beyond.

🎯 About The Role

We are searching for a visionary, creative, and mission-driven Editor-in-Chief to lead The Forward into its next chapter. At this pivotal moment in our 128-year history, we seek a leader with a proven track record of editorial excellence who can bring fresh insights, foster innovation, and expand our readership — especially among younger, more diverse audiences.

The successful candidate will oversee all editorial operations, mentor our talented team of 15 journalists, and champion new approaches in content and audience engagement. A deep understanding of journalism's evolving landscape and a passion for making Jewish stories resonate across generations are essential.

Our signature coverage includes investigative reporting, cultural analysis, political opinion, explorations of Jewish life, and a Yiddish section that connects our history with contemporary readers.

📝 Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an editorial vision that reflects and shapes the Jewish conversation in America, while appealing to both long-time and new audiences.
• Lead a dynamic editorial team across various platforms — web, mobile, newsletters, social media, video, and audio.
• Shape stories and coverage that showcase the diversity of Jewish experiences, including underrepresented and emerging communities.
• Innovate with formats and distribution to engage Gen Z and millennial audiences effectively.
• Partner organization-wide to enhance engagement, grow readership, and foster a supportive community.
• Cultivate a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and growth within the newsroom.
• Represent The Forward in public forums, media, community events, and with stakeholders.
• Participate in leadership as part of the executive team, reporting to the Board and collaborating with the CEO.

💼 What We Offer

• Hybrid working model: 2-3 days onsite per week in NYC.
• Comprehensive benefits: Health and life insurance, 401k with match (after one year), disability coverage, flexible spending, transit plan, and generous vacation including Jewish holidays.
• Impactful work: Play a vital role in strengthening independent Jewish journalism during a critical time.
• Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000, commensurate with experience.

📩 How to Apply

Send your cover letter, resume, and three samples of your work (articles, editorial projects, or digital initiatives) to jobs-EIC@forward.com. In your cover letter, share how you plan to make The Forward a “must-read” for audiences of all ages.

✅ Job Requirements

Experience We’re Looking For

• 10+ years in journalism, with at least five years in editorial leadership.
• Proven ability to grow digital audiences and develop engaging editorial products for diverse and younger readers.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish life—religious, cultural, political, and generational—paired with nuanced reporting skills.
• Editorial judgment, creativity, and adaptability across platforms and formats.
• Leadership skills marked by clarity, empathy, and accountability.
• Familiarity with analytics, SEO, social media trends, and digital publishing tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven media organizations.
• Background in audience development, newsletters, social media, video, or podcasts.
• Knowledge of Yiddish and/or Hebrew.

Interested candidates who may not meet every requirement are encouraged to apply and tell us about their unique strengths.

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