Section Editor, 5280

August 27, 2025

5280 is hiring a section editor to join its award-winning team. This experienced staffer’s primary responsibilities will be project-editing Compass, 5280’s monthly front-of-the-book section, and July’s “Top of the Town” and December’s “Best of the Mountain West,” two of our most-read annual service packages. The section editor will also be expected to write and edit for 5280.com and for the print magazine as needed.

The ideal candidate should be a literary-minded editor who geeks out over finding the best way to tell a story, whether it’s a 600-word Q&A, a 4,000-word package, or a 60-second Instagram reel. We’re looking for a collaborative, organized teammate who can hit deadlines while creating stories that live up to the magazine’s reputation for in-depth, conversation-provoking journalism.

5280 editors are expected to live in the Denver metro area. Our offices are located in downtown Denver, and we currently have a hybrid working model, requiring editors to be in the office three days a week and work from home or elsewhere when it’s more efficient and effective. Typical business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; however, there may be times when reporting and deadlines require an alternative schedule.

Responsibilities:

  • Project edit Compass, 5280’s monthly front-of-the-book section, working in collaboration with the deputy editor to identify, assign, and edit a minimum of five short articles per issue. These stories, which the section editor will also help translate to the website and promote online, will cover a range of subjects, including culture, travel, news, and sports.
  • Project edit Top of the Town, 5280’s annual roundup of the best places to eat, drink, and play in Denver, and Best of the Mountain West, 5280’s annual roundup of the most exciting people, places, and experiences in the region. The section editor is expected to work with staff and freelancers to identify winners, coordinate with the art staff, and shepherd stories through assigning, editing, proofing, and online presentation and social media promotion.
  • Pitch and write regularly for 5280.com.
  • Produce at least two digital newsletters per month.
  • Contribute to 5280’s print packages as needed.

Must-haves:

  • Three-plus years of editing experience, preferably for a magazine or newspaper
  • Excellent editing and writing skills
  • Experience working with freelancers
  • Exceptional organization and communication skills
  • A collegial, collaborative personality

Preferred skills:

  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite
  • Proficiency with AP Style
  • Experience with customer relationship management software like Hubspot
  • Background working with cross-divisional partners like Sales, Marketing, Art, etc.
  • Knowledge of Denver, the Front Range, and Colorado

Salary: Starting at $70,000

Benefits:

  • Health insurance (FSA, FSA dependent care, HAS options, Teledoc)
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Paid parental leave
  • Public transportation or parking subsidies
  • 401K program
  • Fitness club membership option
  • Unlimited paid time off


Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
5280 is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and life experiences to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics disability, age, or veteran status.

To apply:
Candidates should send a brief cover letter, resume, and three clips to [email protected]. Senior leadership will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.