We're hiring! The Paper is seeking a Managing Editor

With the addition of a newly created position, Managing Editor, The Paper is expanding its newsroom operations to accommodate increasing growth of community coverage for both print and digital editions.

The Managing Editor will report to, and collaborate with, The Paper's Editor, Angela Kuper Copeland, to drive editorial strategy, guide daily newsroom operations, coach a talented reporting staff, and ensure excellence across all platforms.

"Our expansion is another example of The Paper's commitment to deliver responsible, thorough, objective local news — and only local news — to our subscribers, advertisers, and the community at large," Copeland said. "This new position has been part of our long-term strategy to protect The Paper's sustainability and create a succession plan to ensure its position as the unequivocal source of deep community news."

The job announcement in its entirety is below.  

We’re Hiring: Managing Editor at The Paper

The Paper — an award-winning, independent local print and digital newspaper based in Burke County, NC, with a vibrant newsroom in the heart of downtown Morganton — is searching for a seasoned newsroom leader to join our executive team. Visit www.ThePaper.media

We’re hiring a Managing Editor to work side-by-side with our Editor to drive editorial strategy, guide daily newsroom operations, coach a talented reporting staff, and ensure excellence across all platforms.

Position Overview

Title: Managing Editor

Reports to: Editor, The Paper

Full-time, salaried position

In-office role based in our downtown Morganton, NC, newsroom

Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Minimum 5 years of newsroom leadership experience
• Proven success managing editorial teams and producing high-impact journalism
• Superb communication skills and a collaborative leadership style
• Expert-level editing, organizational, and project management capabilities
• Proficiency with content management systems (CMS) and newsroom technology
• Hands-on experience with social media strategy and digital audience engagement
• Strong understanding of community-based reporting
• Results-driven mindset with comfort using analytics to shape decisions
• Firm commitment to ethical, independent journalism

About The Paper

The Paper, www.ThePaper.media, is Burke County’s only fully local, locally owned print and digital newspaper.

Founded in 2022, The Paper delivers deeply reported, original journalism in print and online, earning more than 30 state and national awards in its first two years. Our mission is to serve the people of Burke County and surrounding regions with fearless, authentic local coverage and a commitment to truth, transparency, and community trust.

How to Apply

Email your resume, cover letter, and three editing or leadership work samples to angela@thepaper.media.