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  

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

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

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

Skills & behaviors

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

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.