Chicago Reader is hiring : Editor in Chief in Chicago

Overview

Join to apply for the Editor in Chief role at Chicago Reader .

Independent journalism is the lifeblood of the Chicago Reader . That work has never been more important as legacy media brands become increasingly captured by special interests and our democracy, sense of community, and collective joy diminish. The Reader needs a new Editor in Chief who can meet this moment and lead the publication into its next chapter with a renewed focus on arts, culture, civic life, politics and news, ambitious feature and investigative reporting, and more.

This position will lead the editorial department of the 54-year-old Reader . That department has guided the paper to award-winning recognition, raised the profile of countless local artists, and taught tens of thousands of newcomers to the city how to be Chicagoans.

The Editor in Chief is responsible for the editorial vision, strategy, and overall success of the paper. An ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with deep experience in arts and culture coverage, familiarity with a variety of storytelling formats, devotion to the highest ethical standards of journalistic integrity, and a creative approach to finding stories that might otherwise be missed.

The Reader is a storied publication that is poised for an exciting and ambitious new chapter under Noisy Creek. Noisy Creek is a growing network of alternative weekly publications, including the Seattle-based Stranger and the Portland Mercury .

This is a hybrid position, and the Editor in Chief must be able to attend regular meetings in the Reader ’s current Bronzeville office or a future location in Chicago. The Editor in Chief will periodically need to be available to attend virtual meetings in Pacific Time. Candidates should include a cover letter articulating a brief vision for the next era of the Reader .

Responsibilities

• Lead a team that produces multiformat reporting, including explanatory long-form journalism, social media posts, collaborations with the Art Department, short news pieces, and deep dives into arts and culture
• Help editorial team members develop their beats and stories
• Develop and uphold a strong workplace culture with empathetic leadership, high journalistic integrity, and a commitment to engaging the Reader Union
• Edit columns and features for both the website and the print paper, overseeing fact-checking, spelling, grammar, writing style, page design, and photo selection
• Hit production deadlines and goals for both print and digital formats
• Collaborate with sales and marketing leads to identify opportunities and plan special issues

Required qualifications

Preferred qualifications

Job Type

This is a full-time, exempt, non-union position.

Reports to

Interim Publisher

Direct Reports

Section Editors (e.g., News Editor, Music Editor), Managing Editor, Senior Graphic Designer)

Compensation

$125,000 to $150,000

Benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We recognize that not everyone has equal access to professional or educational opportunities. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status. The Reader is committed to creating a collaborative environment that celebrates the diversity of our staff.

About Noisy Creek, the parent company of the Chicago Reader

As of August 2025, the Chicago Reader has joined Noisy Creek — a fast-growing media company that supports local journalism with unique and diverse revenue streams. With the support of Noisy Creek, the Reader is poised for its next chapter of impact and growth. As Editor in Chief, you’ll lead this legacy publication into the future, ensuring it continues to thrive as both a cultural touchstone and a driver of civic discourse.

Priority deadline for applications

September 30, 2025

Applicants will be directed to the Noisy Creek website to apply.

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