Copy Editor, West Coast

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It’s the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

Role: Copy editor, west coast

Department: Editorial, Production

Reports to: Production Editor

Normal location: Los Angeles, CA or remote (west coast hours)

Salary range: $88,000 - $95,000

Terms and conditions: Full-time, permanent, News Media Guild role.

Typical schedule will be Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-6pm PT or 11am-7pm PT. Different shift patterns may be required for holidays or notable news events.

Purpose of role

We’re now looking to hire a talented and experienced copy editor to join our US editorial team on the west coast, or working west coast hours, to edit and support the production of stories, live blogs and other digital formats to ensure all US journalism meets Guardian standards for style, tone, accuracy and digital best practice.

Key responsibilities

• Copy editing Guardian email newsletters
• Working with reporters, desk editors and other copy editors as needed
• Helping ensure that Guardian copy, articles and homepages are inclusive of many perspectives, lived experiences and communities
• Working with the US digital editor to update the Guardian US homepage and international homepage during hours when the US office has responsibility
• Performing the necessary tasks of copy editors in a timely manner: editing copy for spelling, grammar and style, fact-checking, evaluating language for cultural sensitivity
• Ensuring Guardian house style, quality and tone are maintained
• Writing headlines, selecting art and writing photo captions, producing and publishing content fully, adding any helpful supplemental elements
• Writing text for and sending out mobile app alerts as necessary

This position will be on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, with the hours of roughly 10am-6pm PT or 11am-7pm PT. Special shifts may be required for holidays or notable news events. The copy editor may work remotely or from the Guardian US’s office in downtown Los Angeles.

Key contacts & relationships

Production editor, copy editors, west coast editors, NY news desk, digital editor, reporters.

Knowledge & experience

• Interest in and wide knowledge of the output of Guardian US
• Copy editing, editing and/or production experience
• Demonstrable enthusiasm for and interest in journalism
• Solid news judgment
• Experience and enthusiasm for editing accessible, human-centric reporting
• Experience in a fast-paced news environment

Skills & behaviors

• Appreciation of Guardian history and values
• Experience with homepage editing
• Commitment to the core values of quality journalism
• Meticulous eye for detail, grammar and spelling
• Excellent planning and organizing skills
• Flair for writing headlines and other article furniture
• Confidence to deal with senior colleagues
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player
• Able to accept constructive criticism
• High degree of competence with technology and web-based applications
• Able to edit copy quickly and accurately under pressure
• Ability to form productive relationships within and outside the department
• Ability to deal with the pressures associated with deadlines

How to Apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter as one document.

Guardian News & Media is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, national origin or citizenship.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.