Location: Central Arkansas
Type: Full-Time
Salary: $78,000 + Benefits
(Health, matching 401k, generous PTO policy)
The Oxford American is looking for an Editor to lead one of the country’s most distinctive literary magazines.
Since 1992, the Oxford American has published the best writing about the American South: fiction, poetry, essays, reportage, photography, and art, along with our celebrated annual Southern Music Issue. Today that work reaches readers in print and online, where we publish original digital-only stories year-round, and a quarterly print magazine. We are an award-winning nonprofit, most recently recognized with the 2026 General Excellence Award from the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses.
The Role
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Editor sets the creative vision for the magazine across print and digital and is its most visible champion. You will shape the print issues each year and our digital-only stories online, lead a talented editorial team, and serve as the public face of the Oxford American with writers, readers, donors, and partners. This role suits an editor with exceptional taste who enjoys the whole life of a magazine: the stories, the relationships, and the communities that keep it thriving.
What You’ll Do
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Lead the magazine in print and online
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Plan and edit every print issue: assign and edit stories, proof pages, and collaborate with the art director on art and layouts
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Set the direction for digital-only stories published on our website, and assign and edit that work
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Plan the print and digital editorial calendars so each strengthens the other
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Recruit new voices and deepen relationships with established writers
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Oversee the OA’s website and special publishing projects such as anthologies and anniversary issues
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Attend board meetings and take part in board development
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Ensure editorial plans are conveyed across departments to support the work of the Executive Director, Ad Director, and retail initiatives.
Build and support the team
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Manage the editorial staff and all editorial freelancers and contractors, including writers, art team, and copy editor
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Plan and manage the editorial budget with the Executive Director
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Mentor interns through feedback, guidance, and letters of recommendation
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Plan an annual editorial retreat and events.
Champion the OA
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Represent the magazine at events, fundraisers, panels, conferences, book festivals, and in the media
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Cultivate relationships with donors and foundations, solicit major gifts, and support grant writing
Who You Are
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An editor with great taste and a track record of publishing excellent writing
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Experienced editing for both print and digital, with a sense of what makes a story work
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Well connected with writers and skilled at finding new talent
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Committed to publishing a wide range of storytelling styles and viewpoints
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Deeply interested in design and photography, with a broad appreciation for music across genres
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Eager to take an active role in marketing, fundraising, and publicity
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An effective manager who handles competing priorities well and works easily across editorial and development
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Comfortable with digital tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, a CMS, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, and Dropbox
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Willing to travel occasionally on the magazine's behalf
To Apply
Send a cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role, résumé, and 2-3 examples of work you’ve edited, including at least one piece published online, to [email protected] with “Editor” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Anticipated start date: no later than November 9
The Oxford American is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.