Senior Editor & Fundraising Strategist

The Guardian is a global, reader-funded 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.

The Guardian's US edition – headquartered in New York City, with growing bureaus in Washington DC and Los Angeles – is an entirely digital operation that combines the best of the Guardian's international reporting with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, wellness, culture, digital privacy and sports – all highlighting the Guardian's distinctive role within the US media landscape: journalism that's global, independent, and free.

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.
 

Department: Editorial
Reports to: Deputy Editor & SVP, strategy, Executive editor & VP, reader and supporter strategy
Location: New York, NY/will consider remote applicants
Terms and conditions: Full-time through March 1, 2027 (Maternity leave cover position); News Media Guild position
Annual salary range: This is a six-month temporary position with an annualized salary range of $140,000–$160,000, prorated for the duration of the assignment.

About the role

We are seeking a senior editor & fundraising strategist to oversee all editorial elements of our US supporter program during a 6-month maternity leave. The Guardian is considered an industry leader in reader-supported journalism models, and our readers play a crucial role in funding our independent journalism through voluntary contributions. Their support has enabled the Guardian to substantially grow its US presence in recent years.
This is a senior newsroom role for a writer and strategist who will help execute our US reader revenue program over the next 6-8 months, including our flagship year-end fundraising appeal. You will write compelling fundraising copy that is consistent with the Guardian’s editorial voice and values, organize and execute fundraising campaigns, analyse and understand giving patterns and trends, and share data with the wider newsroom. You will work in close collaboration with a range of partners and stakeholders around the organization, including the US commercial reader revenue team, the UK-based global reader revenue team, and the US editorial team. 

The Guardian’s fundraising campaigns involve not only copywriting, but also commissioning and editing fundraising copy from the Guardian’s global roster of reporters, editors and opinion columnists. As such, editorial judgement and strong writing skills are essential.  The job could be done successfully by a journalist with an interest in fundraising–or a candidate with a strong digital fundraising background and a deep interest in current events  journalism. 
 
The successful candidate will be a creative thinker and writer who is also able to make strategic, data-informed decisions. Exceptional project management and communication skills, as well as the ability to hit deadlines and work across geographies, disciplines and departments are essential. The ultimate goal is to deepen our relationship with US readers and grow our base of paying supporters. 

Key responsibilities 

• Write compelling, effective fundraising messages across digital channels that connect to the news cycle and the Guardian’s mission and values 
• Oversee the Guardian’s US email fundraising program
• Commission and edit fundraising copy from Guardian reporters, editors and opinion columnists
• Review copy produced by marketing teams to ensure it fits with the Guardian’s voice and values
• Help conceive of and run the Guardian’s year end fundraising campaign Oct-Dec
• Oversee and craft a messaging testing program across digital channels 
• Identifying news-driven opportunities for driving and motivating reader support

Key skills and experience 

• Min 8 years experience working in an editorial capacity in a newsroom, and/or in digital fundraising or mission-driven digital campaigning or marketing
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Experience with cross-platform digital fundraising, including testing methods
• Experience working with senior stakeholders across an organization
• Creative thinker; ability to generate innovative ideas to connect with readers and grow our US supporter base
• Exceptional knowledge of the US media and political environment; strong understanding of journalism business models, growth strategy, reader revenue and audience engagement; familiarity with the Guardian brand and mission

The successful candidate will be a creative thinker and writer who is also able to make strategic, data-informed decisions. The job requires a highly collaborative person with exceptional project management and communication skills, as well as the ability to hit deadlines and work across geographies, disciplines and departments. 

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.  

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous parental leave with 100% pay
• Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Commuter benefits 
• Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule 

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day. 

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including access to Employee Assistance Programs. 

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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.