Watchdog Editor

Summary:

The San Diego Union-Tribune is seeking an experienced, ambitious editor to run its watchdog and government coverage, driving a focus on accountability coverage across the newsroom and leading a hybrid team of investigative journalists as well as beat reporters covering local government, politics and education. This is a key position at the center of the newsroom of the newspaper of record for California’s second-largest city and a binational region of millions.

This editor should be a curious journalist, a sharp line editor, an encouraging mentor and a skilled manager. In addition, they should demonstrate impeccable news judgment and a collaborative leadership style. Guided by a commitment to truth, ethics, fairness, transparency, and civic good, they’ll inspire the best in a team of committed journalists while elevating the Union-Tribune’s coverage and delivering the kind of high-impact journalism that readers and the public expect.

Although this is a remote position, candidates must reside in California.

What you will do:

• Manage a team of beat reporters covering local government, politics, communities and schools, as well as a team of investigative reporters tackling a wide range of high-impact, accountability-focused stories on San Diego’s most important issues
• Lead the Union-Tribune’s investigative strategy — helping to set priorities and standards, and making the case throughout the newsroom for rigorous, accountability-focused reporting in all areas — while leading and shaping coverage of regional government, politics and related issues
• Shape watchdog journalism from the ground up and work to deepen news coverage with investigative tactics, helping reporters develop ideas, sourcing, records requests and lines of questioning
• Ensure a mix of daily news coverage, quicker-turn enterprise stories and progress on long-term investigative projects
• Coach and mentor reporters of all experience levels, working closely one-on-one, facilitating collaboration and helping them develop their skills, ideas and careers
• Edit all stories for accuracy, clarity, structure, fairness and style
• Collaborate with other editors, visual journalists and reporters to identify areas to grow, improve and diversify news coverage
• Develop and sustain a collegial, creative team culture where reporters feel supported to ask hard questions and take big swings

What you will bring:

• Strong managerial skills, with the patience and confidence to work with reporters with varying experience levels, interests and styles, and help them all excel
• An encouraging, curious and collaborative approach, and a commitment to building trust
• Solid editing skills, from early guidance on direction and story framing to line editing for structure, style, accuracy and fairness
• Demonstrable experience and impact in investigative or accountability journalism
• Experience helming long-running, complex enterprise journalism, including handling legal reviews, sensitive sourcing, difficult public records requests and pressure from reporting subjects
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and respecting the audiences and communities the Union-Tribune serves
• Rigorous news judgment and an unwavering commitment to fairness, accuracy and ethics

Benefits and Compensation:

The salary range is $104,998 - $115,024 + cell phone stipend. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information: www.mysdut.com

Who we are:

The San Diego Union-Tribune is San Diego’s largest media company and its oldest business, dating back to the founding of the Union in 1868. From breaking news to local events and lifestyle features, the Union-Tribune’s diverse portfolio of publications has something for everyone in San Diego County. Explore our diverse offerings, including the award-winning San Diego Union-Tribune, the digital hub SanDiegoUnionTribune.com, and a collection of engaging community newspapers. We believe a diverse and representative newsroom is essential to achieving this goal and the San Diego Union-Tribune is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive San Diego.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How To Apply:

• Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here. In addition to your resume, please include a cover letter and 4 - 5 samples showcasing your best work.

Closing Date:

• Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment: 

• A full pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks

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