Editor, Axios Local

About the role

Axios is seeking an editor to manage and support reporters in the Mountain and West region, with a specific focus on the expansion of our coverage in the Phoenix area. The ideal hire will be deeply invested in the future of local journalism and will champion innovative approaches to serving local audiences. You will own the company's editorial vision and ensure it is communicated with clarity and consistency to all teams. This role requires a people-first approach to management, allowing you to guide expert reporters within a remote-first structure. You will be responsible for experimenting with new technologies, including AI, to improve workflow and output. Ultimately, your work will make our teams indispensable to local readers by delivering trusted, award-winning news in an audience-first format.

What you'll do

Coordinate and drive editorial execution alongside reporters in multiple cities, ensuring alignment with local news priorities. Own the company's long-term vision and translate strategic goals into actionable tasks for your direct reports. Integrate artificial intelligence tools into daily workflows to uncover efficiencies and enhance the storytelling process. Edit stories and newsletters rigorously, maintaining the distinct Smart Brevity style across all published content. Write original stories and newsletter items personally when news cycles demand immediate coverage or depth. Champion experimentation by testing new tools, formats, and processes to keep the newsroom agile and responsive. Provide consistent, clear, and constructive feedback to reporters at all levels to elevate the quality of the final product. Develop deep expertise in the Phoenix area to identify underreported stories and meaningful community angles. Collaborate closely with other city and regional editors to ensure cohesion across the expanding Axios Local network.

Requirements

You are preferably located in the Phoenix area or possess an intimate familiarity with the region and its communities. You bring prior experience working in a fast-paced newsroom environment, with editing daily newsletters being a significant advantage. You have a nuanced understanding of the greater Phoenix area and the specific topics that resonate most with its residents. You demonstrate sharp story-framing abilities and can help reporters conceptualize scoops that cut through the noise. You possess strong conversational writing skills and can coach reporters to adopt a natural, engaging tone. You are confident operating in a fully remote-first environment and maintain high productivity without direct oversight. You have managed reporters across various seniority levels, from junior staff to more experienced colleagues. You fundamentally believe in the Smart Brevity philosophy and its role in modern journalism. You are driven by the desire to make your teams indispensable to local readers through accountability and impact.

Nice to have

Experience launching or growing local news initiatives in a digital environment. A portfolio that demonstrates innovative storytelling or data-driven journalism projects. Familiarity with collaborative software development practices or content management systems.

Practical notes

This is a full-time role eligible for remote work within the United States. Candidates must be able to start within a reasonable timeframe as defined by standard hiring practices. Travel is not required for this position, though occasional in-person collaboration may be considered for team offsites. Visas may be sponsored for eligible candidates depending on location and role requirements.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation for this role is $85,000 - $105,000 and is dependent upon numerous factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, and skills. This range does not include other compensation benefits. Axios' compensation philosophy takes into account cost of labor differentials across the country. Because this is a remote-optional job posting, this salary range takes into account all possible locations within the United States, but candidates will only be eligible for the salary range for their location.

Axios is committed to embracing artificial intelligence as a core part of how we work. All team members are expected to actively develop AI literacy and use AI tools to enhance their productivity, creativity, and efficiency. We invest in ongoing learning to ensure every employee is equipped to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into their daily workflows.

What Axios brings to the table besides salary includes 401(k) with employer match, robust PPO and High Deductible health insurance options on the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, Employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution for the high deductible health plan option, dental and vision coverage, primary caregiver 12-week paid leave, generous vacation policy plus holidays, one mental health day per quarter, annual learning and development stipend, $100 monthly work-from-home stipend, tele-mental health services through Headspace, OneMedical membership including telehealth services, personal health advocacy resources through HealthAdvocate, inclusive fertility, hormonal health, and family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility, access to the Axios "Family Fund" for financial support during hardship or emergencies, increased work flexibility for parents and caretakers, virtual company-sponsored social events, and a strong positive culture.