English Desk Editor

Workplace: Washington, DC, or Los Angeles

Contract type: Local contract

Starting date: As soon as possible

Global news leader Agence France-Presse (AFP) is seeking a dynamic, experienced editor to work on its North American English-language news desk, producing multimedia stories for a worldwide audience. The post could be based either in Washington, DC or Los Angeles, CA. The Washington desk of 12 editors produces stories for AFP's global audience, operating 365 days a year. It is staffed from 7am am to 12am on weekdays, and 7:30 am to 11:30 pm at the weekend.

Desk candidates must be flexible and open to working evening and weekend shifts. The job involves editing and illustrating stories written in English, and translating stories from French and Spanish into English. Editors are also frequently required to report and write stories themselves while on the desk, and provide backup to the team that operates AFP's social media accounts.

The workload is heavy but rewarding, with the US often at the top of the world's agenda: there is an insatiable appetite for political, lifestyle, technology, health, science, economic, diplomatic and entertainment stories from the region. Journalists on the desk can also pitch stories and be sent on assignment.

The editor should have a keen eye for the visual and multimedia aspect of coverage and closely coordinate with the photo, video and graphics departments. It is important to stress that all AFP journalists contribute to AFP's newsgathering process in all formats, working for the common goal of high quality multimedia journalism. Text journalists may write for the wire, but their journalism is vital for video dopesheets, picture captions and graphics. Our visual journalists also play a significant role in the gathering of information for the text wires.

The editor will report directly to the head of the English desk in Washington and to the Regional editor-in-chief, but will also consult with the Los Angeles bureau chief on logistical and operational matters.

Candidates will have a proven track record in journalism, with several years of news reporting and editing experience. We are looking for exemplary writing skills, excellent news judgement, and an ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced newsroom. Working knowledge of French and Spanish would be a major advantage.

Applicants

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:

• North America Regional Director: marc.lavine@afp.com
• North America Editor in chief, Giles Hewitt – giles.hewitt@afp.com
• North America Head of English Desk, Sebastian Smith – sebastian.smith@afp.com
• North America Regional HR Manager, Marion Berger - marion.berger@afp.com

As an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Agence France-Presse rejects discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or any other factor.