California — it’s the fifth-largest economy in the world, home to 1 out of every 8 Americans, and the political incubator of policies that other states either denounce or copy. The next two years will be pivotal, as Democratic leaders aim to “Trump-proof” the state, while also making it the national epicenter of efforts to harness – and exploit – technology. And voters in 2026 will select a new slate of state leaders, including a replacement for Gov. Gavin Newsom.

CalMatters is looking for a dynamic, experienced political editor who can capture the unique politics of this diverse state, guiding our reporters as they break down what’s going on inside the state capitol — and why it matters in the lives of Californians. This editor will work closely with our Digital Democracy team, which uses cutting edge technology to get data insights and AI-generated tip sheets that guide journalists to exclusive story ideas.

This editor should love politics and be equally as passionate about working with reporters and editors to provide sharp, engaging coverage. We want a leader who is collaborative and works well with their team and across the newsroom. This editor will direct a core political team assigned to cover statewide politics, the Legislature and the governor, while also keeping tabs on state agencies. We also want someone who can be the public face of CalMatters in the Capitol and at events.

The editor would help set the benchmark for political coverage seen and heard by millions of Californians. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization — founded nearly a decade ago as California’s Capitol press corps was dwindling — has grown in staff, budget, reach and impact every year since. Californians now find our stories on our website, as well as on Apple News, SmartNews, in newspapers across the state, on public radio and TV stations, and via other online news outlets. We are one of the largest state-focused nonprofit newsrooms in the nation. 

We are looking for someone who has several, but not necessarily all, of these skills:

• At least five years managing journalists. 
• Political reporting or editing experience.
• The ability to think about and tell stories on multiple platforms.
• Familiarity with California.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Project management experience.
• Being based in California is a must although Sacramento is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for these positions is $110,000 to $120,000 per year; higher compensation may be available for someone with advanced skills and/or experience.

CalMatters offers a complete benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance – we cover 90% of the cost for employees and 70% for dependents – from a range of HMO and PPO providers. We’ll match contributions of up to 4% of your salary to our 401(k) program, provide life insurance at no cost, and give you an allowance for personal use of your cell phone and a budget for professional development opportunities like classes and conferences.

How to Apply

We are an expanding and collaborative newsroom, successfully forging a new model for sustainable, intelligent, nonprofit journalism. We’re committed to reflecting the people of the state we serve and especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply. If you’re interested, please provide a resume, work samples and a cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

About CalMatters

CalMatters, now in its ninth year, is an award-winning nonprofit, nonpartisan news venture dedicated to explaining the policy and politics of America’s biggest state and the world’s fifth largest economy. We produce vivid, original multimedia journalism, data-driven news analyses and watchdog accountability reporting on calmatters.org, and freely distribute our work to more than 250 media partners. Our success metric isn’t clicks — it’s impact. We’ve received the EPPY for Best News Site in the Nation, the American Journalism Online Award for Best Nonprofit News Source in the U.S., and consecutive first-place awards for general excellence among all digital news sources from the California News Publishers Association. 

We also have the most diverse major newsroom in the state. Here you’ll be working alongside dozens of experienced journalists in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.

About CalMatters

CalMatters, now in our ninth year of continual staff growth, is an award-winning nonprofit, nonpartisan news venture dedicated to explaining the policy and politics of America’s biggest state and the world’s fifth largest economy. We produce vivid, original multimedia journalism, data-driven news analyses and watchdog accountability reporting on calmatters.org, and freely distribute our work to more than 250 media partners. Our success metric isn’t clicks — it’s impact. We’ve received the EPPY for Best News Site in the Nation, the American Journalism Online Award for Best Nonprofit News Source in the U.S., and consecutive first-place awards for general excellence among all digital news sources from the California News Publishers Association. We also have the most diverse major newsroom in the state. Here you’ll be working alongside nearly 50 experienced journalists in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.

Connections working at CalMatters