Job Title: New York Editor
Location: New York City (Hybrid – minimum 3 days/week in-office)
Reports to: Deputy Editor & Editor-in-Chief
Experience Level: 4–7 years preferred
Salary: Approx. $90,000 + benefits

About the Role

Commercial Observer, the nation’s leading commercial real estate publication, is seeking a sharp, organized, and digitally-minded New York Editor to lead its coverage of New York City’s dynamic commercial real estate landscape.

This is a newsroom leadership role that blends traditional beat oversight with web-first editorial execution. The New York Editor will manage a small team of reporters covering leases, sales, zoning and policy shifts, major players, and breaking news that shapes the CRE world in NYC. The ideal candidate will have strong editing skills, a keen sense of news judgment, and a deep understanding of both the city and its real estate power structure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee a team of three NYC-focused reporters, including a dedicated breaking newswriter producing fast-turnaround content daily

  • Play a key role in the 10 am newsroom stand-up meeting each weekday, helping shape story assignments and priorities for the day

  • Assign stories and edit copy for clarity, accuracy, and house style—especially short, transactional real estate stories (leases, sales, hirings)

  • Ensure web-first best practices are followed, including SEO optimization, smart headline writing, tagging, and CMS preparation

  • Coordinate with the photo editor and art director to ensure timely image assets

  • Contribute to the daily newsletter (after initial onboarding, this becomes a brief daily task)

  • Collaborate with the social media editor throughout the day to surface timely content for distribution

  • Occasionally write short news items or quick turnarounds, especially during high-volume periods

  • Monitor news sources, PR firm announcements, and internal tips to maintain a competitive and timely flow of stories

  • Maintain CO’s high editorial standards for accuracy, competitiveness, and impact

Qualifications

  • 4–7 years of editorial experience in a newsroom or trade publication, preferably with some background in real estate, business, or city politics

  • Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate reporters while shaping daily coverage strategy

  • Solid line-editing and headline-writing skills with strong news judgment

  • Familiarity with CMS platforms (WordPress preferred) and digital publishing workflows

  • Understanding of SEO best practices, tagging, and analytics-driven content performance

  • Comfort working in a fast-paced newsroom environment and juggling multiple priorities

  • Deep knowledge of New York City and its key players in commercial real estate, city government, and development policy

  • Strong attention to detail, high standards for accuracy, and a proactive, get-it-done
    attitude

  • A collaborative mindset and passion for breaking news, clean copy, and staying ahead of
    the competition

Work Schedule & Location

  • This is an in-person role based in NYC, with three to four days per week in the office

  • Fridays are remote; an additional flexible WFH day is available

  • Candidates should be available during core newsroom hours and bring a strong presence to the team, especially when onboarding


What Makes a Candidate Stand Out

  • Curiosity, hustle, and a strong desire to "own" the NYC beat

  • Passion for timely, accurate journalism with impact—not just chasing clicks

  • An instinct for spotting great stories and helping reporters sharpen them

  • A love for the news cycle and a competitive edge when it comes to beating other outlets

How to apply:

Please submit a resume and optional cover letter in an email to hiring@observermedia.com with “Your Full Name + New York Editor” in the subject line.