Job Opportunities
About 5280 Publishing
Named America’s best big-city magazine in 2018 and 2020, 5280 has been telling Denver’s story for more than 25 years. Readers depend on 5280 for compelling long-form journalism, smart guides to the city and region, superb design, and unforgettable photography. Locally owned and independently operated, the company also publishes 5280 Home, 5280 Traveler, and 5280 Health magazines.
5280 Publishing Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive salary and benefits.
No phone calls, please.
Digital Editor
5280 is seeking an innovative and creative digital editor to join its award-winning team. This senior-level staffer will be responsible for overseeing the daily editorial operations for 5280.com, identifying new opportunities for growth and engagement, and steering 5280’s long-term digital efforts. The ideal candidate should be a highly organized, talented editor with impeccable judgment, a strategic and tactical thinker, a seasoned pro when it comes to headline writing and SEO, and an exceptional multitasker who thrives in a fast-paced digital journalism environment.
Responsibilities include:
- Conceiving of, assigning, and editing daily stories for 5280.com, as well as digital-first packages and longform features
- Editing The Local, 5280’s daily newsletter and the Colorado Explorer (biweekly)
- Directing all digital projects and initiatives—from new website features to newsletter launches and cross-platform opportunities—and ensuring they’re completed on deadline and on budget
- Coordinate with 5280 Magazine editorial leadership on editorial mission and strategy
- Collaborating across departments to determine the short-term and long-term strategies for 5280’s digital business, and working with the team to bring those goals to fruition
- Managing the digital editorial team of three staff members
- Overseeing the digital editorial budget and processing invoices and expenses
- Monitoring real-time and monthly analytics to pinpoint trends and new opportunities for growth and engagement
- Working with the digital team to develop and execute a robust social media strategy
- Training the staff on digital best practices
- Building and maintaining working relationships with a stable of freelancers
- Working with 5280’s contract developer on website upgrades and fixes, as needed
- Writing for 5280.com and 5280 Magazine
Must-haves:
- Five years of digital media experience, preferably in local journalism
- Experience managing digital editorial workflows and web development projects
- Robust knowledge of SEO best practices, including conceptualizing content for keyword optimization and writing successful SEO headlines and meta descriptions
- Proficiency with WordPress, html, Google Analytics, Parse.ly, Hubspot, and Adobe Creative Suite
Preferred experience:
- Strong management, organization, and communication skills
- Background in newsletter creation and social media strategy and management
- Familiarity with photography, photo editing, and video editing experience
Salary: Starting at $70,000
Benefits:
- Health insurance (FSA, FSA dependent care, HSA options, Teledoc)
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Paid parental leave
- Public transportation or parking subsidies
- 401K
- Fitness club membership option
- Paid time off
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
5280 Magazine 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, resumé, and five fully fleshed-out story idea pitches tailored to a 5280.com audience to careers@openmediafoundation.org using the subject line “Digital Editor.”
Editorial Internship Program
5280 offers editorial internship positions in the summer, fall, and spring. Internships are hands-on and involve a variety of responsibilities as well as the opportunity to regularly interact with the editorial staff.
Primary duties include fact-checking stories, contributing research to larger stories and feature packages, and writing shorter stories for the front-of-the-book sections. Interns also enter descriptions for the calendar listings, and write for 5280.com.
We also offer a dining-specific internship for those interested in food writing. The intern will work closely with our food editors to fact-check and write for the dining section of the magazine, enter descriptions for dining guide listings, and write for 5280.com. Those interested should specify dining internship in the subject line of their application email, and tailor their cover letter accordingly.
As part of the program, interns will take part in training sessions and mentorship. Training sessions are run by editors and provide an overview of how the magazine works, from pitching to editing to art/design. The mentorship program pairs each intern with two editors, offering interns a chance to gain firsthand knowledge about a career in journalism.
Requirements: Although a magazine, journalism, or English degree (or working toward a degree) is preferred, it’s not required. Published clips are required (college newspaper is OK). A commitment of three to four days a week is preferred. The internship is paid. Remote work is OK.
To apply: Please email a cover letter, resumé, and three to five published clips to editinternships@5280.com. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Deadlines for applications: Summer (March 1); Fall (July 1); Spring (November 15).
Creative Services Internship
5280 offers a six month design internship within the company’s in-house creative team. Internships are hands-on and involve a variety of responsibilities as well as the opportunity to work regularly with the advertising, marketing, and events departments. This person will assist with ad campaigns, event collateral, marketing initiatives, and much more. In addition to design responsibilities, this person will help with overflow admin work and provide production assistance as needed.
As part of the program, interns will take part in training sessions conducted by various members of the advertising, marketing, and editorial teams to gain a first-hand grasp on the world of publishing. Interns are also given the opportunity to collaborate with members of design and marketing to refine their portfolio and set them up for success in their future job search.
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled or recently graduated with a degree in graphic design
- Thorough, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling multiple tasks at once
- Possesses keen design instincts and the ability to make quick decisions about type, image, and layout
- Great communication skills and the ability to take direction/criticism and apply to a design
- Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign
- Basic knowledge of WordPress
- Available to work 20 hours per week minimum (28 hours maximum)
Internship Benefits Include:
- Option to participate in 5280 magazine events.
- Inclusion in the magazine’s printed masthead.
- Opportunity to add work to your portfolio.
Details: A commitment of 90 days is preferred. The internship is paid. This position will be required to be in our downtown office at least two days a week. Remote option available for remaining hours.
To apply: In order to be considered for this position you must email a cover letter, resumé, and 3 design samples in a single PDF file to designjob@5280.com. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Deadlines for applications: We are always accepting applications for this internship.