Application Guide

How to Apply for News Editor

at Jewish Currents

🏢 About Jewish Currents

Jewish Currents is a legacy publication with a progressive, leftist perspective that is rare in Jewish media. It offers a platform for critical thinking on antisemitism, Israel/Palestine, and social justice, making it ideal for journalists who want to challenge mainstream narratives.

About This Role

As News Editor, you'll shape the daily news coverage and analysis, curating the news desk newsletter and managing editorial workflow. This role is impactful because you'll steer responsive journalism on urgent topics like Israeli politics, antisemitism, and labor movements, directly influencing the magazine's voice and reach.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by scanning wires and social media for breaking news, then assigning or editing a time-sensitive analysis piece. You'd collaborate with the news team on story angles, edit newsletter drafts, and manage the publishing queue, often ending the day by planning coverage for the next day's newsletter.

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🎯 Who Jewish Currents Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of news editing experience, ideally in a fast-paced newsroom, with a track record of editing for clarity and impact.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of left politics, Jewish communal dynamics, and Israel/Palestine, and can navigate sensitive topics with nuance.
  • Is skilled in newsletter editing and strategy, understanding how to package stories for engagement and audience growth.
  • Thrives in a collaborative, remote environment, able to manage workflow and deadlines while coordinating with writers and editors.

📝 Tips for Applying to Jewish Currents

1

Tailor your resume to highlight editing experience on topics like antisemitism, Israel/Palestine, or left politics, not just general news.

2

Include a cover letter that references specific Jewish Currents articles or series you admire and how you'd build on them.

3

Showcase your newsletter experience with metrics (e.g., open rates, growth) if possible, as it's a plus.

4

Demonstrate your ability to edit for a politically engaged audience by providing a sample edit of a recent Jewish Currents piece.

5

Mention any familiarity with the magazine's values or contributors, and how your perspective aligns with its mission.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your editorial philosophy and how it aligns with Jewish Currents' commitment to leftist Jewish thought and activism.", 'Highlight your specific knowledge of the beats (left politics, Jewish communal politics, Israel/Palestine) with concrete examples.', "Show your experience with newsletters and digital strategy, including how you've grown audiences or improved engagement.", "Express enthusiasm for the magazine's unique voice and your ideas for expanding its news coverage and reader connection."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read recent issues of Jewish Currents, especially news analysis pieces, to understand their tone and editorial slant.
  • → Study the magazine's history and its evolution under current editor-in-chief Arielle Angel.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the magazine's stance on key issues like the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitism, and racial justice.
  • → Look at the news desk newsletter archives to see how stories are packaged and promoted.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you handle editing a piece that challenges a major Jewish organization's stance on Israel?
2 What's your approach to balancing objectivity with a clear editorial perspective in news coverage?
3 Describe a time you managed a breaking news story under tight deadline—how did you coordinate with writers?
4 How would you grow the news desk newsletter's subscriber base while maintaining quality?
5 What are the most underreported stories in Jewish left politics that you'd want to cover?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic language about 'journalism' without showing specific knowledge of Jewish Currents' niche.
  • Don't ignore the newsletter aspect—failing to mention it signals you haven't read the job description carefully.
  • Never take a simplistic or one-sided view on Israel/Palestine; the magazine values nuance and critical perspectives.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Jewish Currents!

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