Better Government Association
Web & Graphics Editor
The BGA is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that combines investigative journalism, advocacy and civic engagement to promote better government in Illinois. The BGA seeks a Web & Graphics Editor to lead our digital publishing and design efforts at our downtown Chicago office.
This position requires that you be comfortable with design and with code. You will be a key player in developing our full suite of digital products — our website, microsites, off-platform pages, and more. You will also manage presentation and publishing of our stories on our CMS.
This position reports to the Vice President of Operations, but works closely with the Director of Investigations and Director of Policy, and their respective teams, building story packages and data visualizations for the web.
Ideally, you’ll have experience in digital storytelling and a passion for local journalism; you see it as your mission to work collaboratively with excellent reporters and analysts, creating powerful visuals and applications that increase the scope, comprehensibility and impact of our work.
Job responsibilities:
1. Format and publish content in our CMS (currently Drupal 7); maintain site’s performance and appearance
2. Work closely and collaboratively to conceptualize, design, and publish digital news products, such as story packages, database applications and data visualizations
3. Be a strategic partner in the development of our website and long-term data products
4. Work closely with our engagement team to develop and execute strategies for digital audience engagement
Minimum qualifications:
● Expertise in HTML, CSS and Vanilla JavaScript
● A portfolio-proven eye for digital design
● Strong news judgment
● Self-discipline to work independently, and an excitement for cross-functional collaboration
● Ability to communicate effectively both on and offline
● Interest in and basic knowledge of state and local government
Not required, but appreciated:
● Experience with a modern front-end stack: SASS/SCSS, build tools such as Gulp or Webpack, frameworks such as React or Vue
● Familiarity with cloud computing services for static deployment and systems administration, such as AWS
● Experience with back-end programming languages and frameworks, such as Python/Django or Node.js
● Illustration chops, using Photoshop, Illustrator or hand-drawn
● Familiarity with Google tags and analytics
Please send cover letter, resume and three examples of work to Ernest Crowder at ecrowder@bettergov.org. No phone calls.
This is a Union position.
The Better Government Association is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veteran, and individuals with disabilities.