Denver is awash with artistic talent, from musicians to actors to mural painters to poets to performance artists. From Westword's start in 1977, covering the metro area's cultural scene has been one of our keystone commitments, and we're now doubling down on that commitment.
As Music Editor, Emily Ferguson will continue to track those "Denver band success stories," as well as coordinate our contributors' coverage of developments in the music industry and offer her own must-read concert reviews and other insightful pieces. That's a big job, particularly as Denver's scene continues to evolve.
So to expand and elevate our coverage of the creative, we're bringing back the Culture Editor position that was cut for financial necessities before the pandemic.
Colorado's cultural scene has changed since then, of course, and this job has changed, too. As before, this editor will lead our coverage of topics ranging from visual art and theater to shopping, hiking and the outdoors (hey, this is Colorado!), to Denver life in general. But we're also looking for an editor who, given the time and resources, can get out into the community to find new voices and new ventures while helping our team take Westword — and this city — to the next level.
This opening is immediate...and exciting. Here's the fine print:
Westword Culture Editor
Westword has an immediate opening for a Culture Editor to lead and manage our coverage of Denver’s vibrant arts and lifestyle scenes. Since its founding in 1977, Westword has become an intrinsic part of the cultural landscape of the Mile High City; we’re looking for a visionary who can bring fresh ideas to life and continue the evolution of our Culture section.This full-time management position is based in our Denver newsroom and reports to the editor-in-chief. Remote candidates will not be considered.
Key Responsibilities
• Build broad relationships with the arts and culture community so that sources, story ideas, research and reporting reflect the diverse communities of Denver.
• Collaborate with the editor-in-chief on planning cultural coverage.
• Write daily stories.
• Hire and manage freelance reporters and photographers to produce a range of stories, ranging from breaking news and trending topics that need to be written quickly to enterprise and feature stories that require more time.
• Efficiently edit stories for structure and substance so that they read clearly and concisely and are free of factual and grammatical errors and typos. Make sure that stories adhere to our style and SEO best practices.
• Manage the editorial workflow for the online Culture vertical, monitoring deadlines and meeting goals for volume and traffic.
• Work collaboratively with the audience development director on trending news and SEO best practices, as well as the membership director on our membership program.
• Participate in our annual Best of Denver issue and other special projects during the year.
Who You Are
• An experienced journalist and editor (at least two years of newsroom management experience) with a working knowledge of — or eagerness to immerse yourself in — the character, people and culture of Denver.
• A writer with the ability to find and write well-reported and thought-provoking stories.
• An editor who can edit stories quickly and effectively, and is committed to accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• An expert with an in-depth understanding of social media and digital journalism, who has the ability to read and understand analytics in order to make informed coverage decisions to serve our current readers and reach new ones.
• A newsroom leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Benefits
• Salary range is $56,500 to $70,000, depending on experience.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.
• In the first year: 10 paid holidays, 10 paid vacation days, 5 paid sick days per year.
• Hybrid work policy based in our Denver office.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Westword believes our journalism will best serve our communities with culturally diverse staff and freelancers who offer a range of voices. We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment of inclusion, diversity, empowerment and equality. We are at our best when all of our team members are respected and included regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation and national origin. Women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender-nonconforming candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Think you’ve got what it takes? Email a cover letter detailing your editing and management experience, as well as your proposed approach to helming the Westword Culture section. Also send your résumé and links to your best work to: [email protected].
