News Editor

Description

The Stranger is looking for a News Editor who can drive ambitious, original news coverage, break the stories that matter to Seattle, and continue to establish The Stranger as the city's most essential source for local news.

The News Editor will work closely with the Editor in Chief to shape and lead the paper's news coverage, from breaking news and daily reporting to investigations and accountability journalism. The News Editor should have sharp news judgment, a deep curiosity about how Seattle works and who holds power, and the confidence to push reporters toward stronger stories, better sourcing, and bolder angles. They should value beat ownership and help reporters build the sources and expertise to consistently break news in their areas. An ideal candidate is fast, accurate, and energized by a busy news cycle, and holds the highest ethical standards of journalistic integrity.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, though you may be asked to work nights and weekends during breaking news, elections, and other major events. Some telecommuting is allowed, as approved by the Editor in Chief. The News Editor must be able to attend regular meetings at The Stranger's offices on Capitol Hill and generally work from the office to better lead and support reporters.

Responsibilities

• Lead The Stranger's daily news coverage across web, newsletters (including Slog AM), and the monthly print edition.
• Identify and own the stories that matter in Seattle. Break news and cultivate the newsroom's original reporting on local government, politics, housing, public safety, labor, and other civic issues.
• Assign, edit, and shape news stories, from quick-turn breaking news to longform investigations, overseeing fact-checking, accuracy, clarity, and style.
• Build and uphold beat discipline, making sure reporters own their beats, develop sources, and deliver consistent, authoritative coverage.
• Coach and develop reporters and freelancers with clear, direct, supportive feedback that strengthens their reporting and writing.
• Plan and lead election coverage and special news projects in partnership with the Editor in Chief.
• Collaborate with the Arts, Photo, Art, Social, Podcast, and Video teams to tell news stories across formats and platforms.
• Hit production deadlines and goals for both print and digital formats.
• Partner with news editors across the Noisy Creek family of publications in Chicago, Portland, and beyond to share stories, strategies, and best practices.
• Help foster a strong newsroom culture built on high journalistic integrity, healthy debate, and respect for colleagues.
• Organize and oversee The Stranger Election Control Board.

Requirements

• 5+ years of journalism experience, with a strong focus on news reporting and/or editing.
• Strong news judgment and a proven ability to break stories.
• Deep knowledge of, or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn, Seattle, King County, and Washington State politics and civic life.
• Strong line-editing skills and the ability to edit quickly and cleanly on deadline.
• Demonstrated experience coaching other journalists to strengthen their reporting and writing.
• Solid understanding of media law, ethics, and sourcing standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as an editor.
•  Experience at an alt-weekly or independent local news outlet (or a demonstrated ability to report, in a compelling manner, news that other media outlets have either overlooked, misunderstood, or under-investigated)
• An established network of sources in Seattle-area government and civic organizations.
• Experience with public records requests, data journalism, or investigative reporting.
• Experience planning election coverage or voter guides.

Additional Information
This is a full-time, exempt, management position. 

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Retirement Plan: Employer match program
• Paid Vacation: Accrued vacation earned throughout the year at a rate of two weeks annually, increasing to four weeks after five years.
• Paid Sick Time: One week accrued per year, with rollover
• Paid Holidays: Nine paid holidays, a paid holiday week between December 24 and January 1, plus two any-day floating holidays
• Additional Paid Leaves: Bereavement leave, jury duty leave, plus options to supplement state-paid family and medical leave
• Commuter Benefits: Discounted transit pass
• Professional Development: Annual stipend to support training and career-related learning
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to wellness and financial support services
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax

Why Noisy Creek?
We're a vibrant, creative team that believes the more diverse voices at the table, the better the conversation—and the work! We realize that not everyone receives the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don't meet all the above qualifications but still think you'd be a good fit, please consider applying.

Noisy Creek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Noisy Creek, the Parent Company of The Stranger

Noisy Creek launched in mid-2024 with an innovative model to invigorate local media across the United States for our democracy, civic engagement, and thriving local communities. It currently operates The Stranger, the Portland Mercury, the Chicago Reader, EverOut.com, Noisy Creek Podcasts, Noisy Creek Productions, and Bold Type Tickets.