Editor/writer (contract)

Contract length: Early September through December 2025, with an opportunity to extend based on performance 
Hours: up to 20 hours per week 
Rate: $50 per hour 
Location: Mostly virtual but must live in the Washington, D.C. area
Reports to: Executive Editor 

About The 51st

The 51st is a worker-led, nonprofit local news source for D.C. We pursue stories that hold leaders accountable, demystify opaque city and civic processes, and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us proud to call D.C. home. Put simply, our mission is to make it easier — and more fun — to live in the District.

Who you’ll work with 

We’re a small but mighty team of editors who work closely to produce thoughtful, accessible, and current news for D.C. residents. We’ve got a startup vibe — everyone wears a few hats, and we trust each other to take the lead when it makes sense. We care a lot about doing great work, but we’re also big on setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. Collaboration, independence, and respect keep our operation running. 

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced journalist who’s just as excited to edit stories about Mayor Bowser’s budget proposal and the  Commanders’ stadium deal as robot toilets and comic book writers. They’ll edit an average of three stories per week written by our staff writer and freelancers, and write weekly social copy for platforms including Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Facebook. At least once a month, the editor will write and copyedit our weekly newsletter, which goes out to more than 10,000 subscribers. 

This position is ideal for a community-oriented journalist with impeccable news judgment and a sharp voice. Familiarity with local D.C. news is preferred, but not required. 

Key Responsibilities

Editorial Collaboration

• Attend weekly editorial meetings (virtually), offering input on story ideas and pitches 
• Attend monthly long-term editorial strategy meetings 
• Update editorial calendar, as requested 

Editing, Writing, and Curating 

• Edit and fact-check news articles, explainers, profiles, feature stories, opinion pieces, and accountability and investigative articles — an average of three per week 
• Upload and format articles in CMS (Ghost)
• Create engaging social media copy for weekly stories and multiple platforms 
• Write the newsletter, 1 - 2 times per month
• Copyedit the newsletter, 1 - 2 times per month
• Ensure content reflects the newsroom’s editorial style, voice, tone, and sensibilities
• Occasionally write or contribute to roundups and columns

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of news editing, preferably covering the local D.C. region
• Proven experience producing digital-first content
• Exceptional writing, with a strong sense of voice, tone, and news judgment 
• Experience working with tools like Ghost, Airtable, Google Suite, or other basic design or publishing platforms
• Comfortable working in a startup, remote-first environment 
• Believes journalism is a public service and can be used to improve the lives of District residents  

Most importantly, we’re looking for a strong writer and editor, but if you don’t check every single box, please don’t hesitate to apply. If this role excites you and you think you’d be a good fit, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, send your resume, a brief statement of interest, and up to three clips of published stories you’ve edited. Submit your application by email to christinasturdivantsani@51st.news by August 15, 2025.