The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

The New York Times is looking for a FOIA editor to oversee and guide our strategy of using the Freedom of Information Act and other local, state and federal public records laws to obtain information from governmental and public entities.

You will serve as a hub for the newsroom’s public records requests, helping provide resources and guidance to journalists across The Times about how to maximize our ability to obtain information in the public’s interest. You will serve as a consultant to teams on effective tactics, working with reporters and editors at the inception of stories and projects to help integrate FOIA requests early in the process. You will also be responsible for developing story ideas and original coverage through the FOIA process, identifying opportunities to obtain public records that will generate news. You are excited to experiment with new technology and formats and collaborate with our data, visual and product teams to tell stories that resonate with our audience.

You will help track and expedite public records requests by maintaining a centralized database of FOIA requests and appeals, and will work closely with the Legal department to identify efforts that merit litigation support.

This position is based in New York and includes regular attendance in the office each week. The person will also work closely with our bureau in Washington and make periodic visits there.

Responsibilities:

Develop and refine FOIA requests in partnership with internal stakeholders for submission
Serve as a consultant for teams as they design public records requests to bolster their reporting, with a priority on integrating such requests early into the process of developing stories.
Propose and drive story ideas based on FOIA requests and coordinate coverage across multiple desks
Consult with desks to understand when and how to augment ongoing themes with FOIA requests
Advise journalists across the newsroom about the most effective approaches to obtain information through public records laws.
Develop and maintain training materials and deliver training about what information can be obtained through the federal Freedom of Information Act and similar state and local statutes.
Coordinate, track and help expedite public records requests by maintaining a centralized database of FOIA requests and appeals.
Partner with the Legal department in identifying efforts to seek public information that merit litigation support.
Represent the Newsroom in partnership with Legal on FOIA matters
Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
You will report to the enterprise OR news research team.

Basic Qualifications:

5+ years’ experience at a journalism or media company or other relevant organization.
Demonstrated success navigating and resolving legal issues related to public records laws.
A record of collaborating and partnering with colleagues to find innovative storytelling approaches through the use of public records and other legal strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience in shaping the public records strategy of a news organization.
Conversant in local and state public records laws and practices in addition to the federal statute.
Deep familiarity with media law or a law degree
A record of adjusting to the evolving and changing needs of a newsroom

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-020735

Additional Compensation and Benefits:
For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.

The annual base pay range for this role is between:

$124,979.94—$150,000 USD

Candidate Use of GenAI Tools:

We’re excited to learn more about you and your experience. To keep our hiring process as fair and authentic as possible, we ask that you submit your own work and not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process.

If you’re an engineering candidate, we’ll let you know what specific GenAI tools you are permitted to use for your technical assessment.

The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here.

The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [email protected]. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

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The annual base pay range for this role is between: 124979.94 - 150000 USD

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