Role Overview

The Editorial Specialist is responsible for executing real-time coverage of public safety incidents through sourcing, writing and distributing notifications. This role requires strong editorial judgment, speed, and accuracy, with a focus on delivering timely, and trustworthy information to users. This is an execution-focused role responsible for applying established editorial standards and escalating high-risk or ambiguous situations.

Key Responsibilities

Real-Time Coverage & Execution

• Monitor and identify breaking incidents across multiple sources.

• Write and distribute notifications quickly, accurately, and clearly.

• Leverage real-time user engagement metrics to inform decision-making.

• Maintain high standards of clarity, tone, and factual integrity under time pressure.

Editorial Judgment & Decision-Making

• Apply established editorial guidelines to all content.

• Make real-time decisions on notification relevance, audience targeting, optimal copy, and timing.

• Escalate sensitive, ambiguous, or high-risk situations to senior team members for collaboration.

Forward Planning & Coverage Continuity

• Provide ongoing coverage of developing incidents and ensure smooth handoffs between team members.

• Contribute to the execution of the editorial calendar and planned events.

• Support coverage of major planned events (e.g., protests, parades, weather events) across the country.

Performance & Quality

• Maintain high standards of accuracy, speed, and quality.

• Use engagement signals and feedback to continuously improve execution.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple inputs simultaneously while making effective decisions quickly.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and headline-crafting skills, with the ability to distill complex incidents into clear, compelling incident copy and push notification copy.

• Ability to process information quickly and act decisively under pressure.

• Demonstrated ability to identify credible sources and verify information.

• Strong awareness of social, cultural, and public safety sensitivities.

• Ability to keep Citizen’s core values, mission, and editorial guidelines top of mind when making editorial decisions.

• Strong awareness of social, political, and cultural dynamics that may impact Citizen’s coverage.

Salary Range

This role offers a base salary of $65,000–$85,000 per year, plus equity.

Compensation & Benefits
We offer competitive salary, equity, and a full benefits package, including:

• At least one fully employer-sponsored medical plan option

• Dental and vision coverage, with a small employee contribution

• Unlimited PTO

• Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave (for all parents)

• Monthly tech stipend

• Free mental health support

• Hybrid work environment + catered lunches (NYC HQ)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Citizen
Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. We’re building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve — across race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and background.

We know that diverse teams make better decisions and build more effective products. If you don’t meet every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. Skills, potential, and lived experience matter.