Help Shape the Story of Water in the West

Are you a seasoned journalist who thrives on turning complex issues into powerful, accessible stories? Do you want your work to inform public understanding and influence conversations around the West’s most critical natural resource?

The Water Education Foundation — a highly respected and impartial nonprofit serving California and the Colorado River Basin for nearly 50 years — is seeking an experienced and energetic editor to serve as our News & Publications Director and elevate how we tell the story of water in the West. From drought to infrastructure to policy, the need for clear, factual and engaging water information has never been greater.

Based in Sacramento, the Foundation has spent decades helping policymakers, decision-makers and the public navigate the complexities of water in the West. Our news, publications, tours and educational programs are widely recognized for their accuracy, context and impact.

About the Role

Join our mission-driven team as a seasoned journalist with writing and editing experience who thrives at the intersection of storytelling and impact. We’re looking for a digitally savvy leader with sharp editing and planning skills — and a passion for transforming complex water issues into clear, compelling narratives. In this role, you’ll help shape content that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to neutrality, credibility and excellence.

As a key leader, you’ll juggle multiple projects across short- and long-term timelines in a fast-moving environment. You’ll lead and mentor our staff writer and oversee the curator of our weekday water news feed, while driving the creation of high-quality online and print publications that inform, engage and elevate public understanding of Western water.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Editing & Publication Management

• Lead editor for Western Water, our flagship online newsroom, overseeing the production of 4–6 in‑depth articles annually, including packaging with photos/graphics and posting online.
• Direct and manage the Foundation’s weekday water news aggregate, our freelance curator; and post occasional breaking news items.
• Edit and manage updates to our popular Layperson’s Guides, ensuring accuracy and clarity on key water issues. (Generally one per year).
• Edit and update entries for Aquapedia, the Foundation’s online water encyclopedia, and select a “word of the week” each week linked to news events, anniversaries of court decisions or laws or awareness events such as National Drinking Water Week.
• Drive special editorial projects, including digital publications and water maps.
• Manage production of printed guides, coordinating with external graphic designers, copy editors and printers.

Additional Duties

• Stay current on emerging water issues and trends across the Western United States.
• Occasionally serve as a moderator for panels at conferences and Foundation events.
• Work with the Operations Manager to support the management of the Foundation’s online store of publications.
• Work collaboratively to support the marketing, promotion and distribution of Foundation publications and editorial products.
• Proofing of materials as needed.
• Attend Board of Directors meetings as needed, including meetings of the Programs and Publications Committee.
• Collaborate with the Development Director and Executive Director on proposals for new projects and grant opportunities.
• Participate in at least one water tour per year to support program delivery and gather new story ideas.
• Travel as needed for conferences, tours and other Foundation-related events.

Skills:

• Strong ability to plan, prioritize and manage multiple short‑ and long‑term projects simultaneously.
• Website posting, WordPress helpful.
• Social media experience, especially with LinkedIn and Twitter/X; Instagram a plus.
• Ability to capture news‑worthy photographs.
• Solid command of AP Style.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word (including the use of track changes for editing), Outlook, Excel, Google Docs, WordPress, Adobe Acrobat Pro and Photoshop Elements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism preferred; related fields considered with significant journalism experience.
• Strong knowledge of water policy, management and political issues in California and the Colorado River Basin.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience (reporting and/or editing) at a major newspaper, online newsroom or magazine. Five of those must be covering water issues.

Salary & Benefits:

• Annual Salary: $90,000
• Excellent benefits, including:
  • 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision premiums.
  • Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer contributions starting at 7% of salary after reaching 1,000 hours.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid role, reporting to the Executive Director, a veteran journalist. Must reside in the greater Sacramento area.

• Onsite: Tuesday through Thursday in our Sacramento office.
• Remote: Most Mondays and Fridays (occasional in-office days may be required)

To Apply:

Email your resumé, clips and a letter of interest to Jennifer Bowles, Executive Director, at jbowles@watereducation.org. To be included in the first round of applicants, please submit by June 22, 2026. This job will remain posted until filled.

About the Foundation:

The Water Education Foundation is an impartial, nonprofit 501(c)3 whose mission is to inspire understanding of water and catalyze critical conversations to build bridges and inform collaborative decision-making. Learn more at www.watereducation.org.