Key Topics Editor

First Databank (Fdb) - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

1,001-5,000 employees

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a hard-charging Key Topics Editor who will oversee a team of journalists covering the key topics that matter to our metro area's future. This editor will work with a team that dives into significant issues affecting the region's residents, such as transportation and commuting, demographic changes, the effects of extreme weather, and climate change. The role involves overseeing reporters who identify themes across the metro area, not limited to Houston alone. The Key Topics Editor will help shape the structure of the teams and the beats, contributing to the work that is most relevant to our audiences across the region. In this position, the editor will be responsible for shaping and leading coverage with a proactive approach to breaking news and a nuanced expertise to develop deeper enterprise and accountability work. Utilizing metrics to derive insights that can inform coverage and enhance audience engagement is crucial. The editor will craft and edit stories across various digital formats, including quick-hits, social-first content, explainers, live blogs, short-form storytelling, long-form storytelling, videos, and data visualizations. Additionally, the Key Topics Editor will develop beat reporting that is centered around the audience, fostering sourcing, obtaining public records, and delivering exclusive stories. The role includes mentoring staff, providing constructive feedback, and conducting evaluations of reporters and editors. Daily coordination with field reporters is essential to ensure the production of valuable content that Houstonians cannot find elsewhere. Collaboration with other Chronicle team leaders, including the visual team, data team, and audience team, is vital to bring stories to life. The editor will also coach best practices in SEO, digital tactics, and evolving digital storytelling trends, while working to cultivate a collaborative culture that reflects the metro's diversity in all aspects of sourcing and storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of journalists covering key topics relevant to the metro area.
• Shape and lead coverage with a focus on breaking news and enterprise reporting.
• Utilize metrics to derive insights that inform coverage and audience engagement.
• Craft and edit stories across various digital formats including quick-hits, social-first content, and long-form storytelling.
• Develop audience-centered beat reporting, fostering sourcing and obtaining public records.
• Mentor staff, providing constructive criticism and conducting evaluations of reporters and editors.
• Coordinate daily with field reporters to produce unique content for Houstonians.
• Collaborate with other team leaders, including visual, data, and audience teams, to enhance storytelling.
• Coach best practices in SEO and digital storytelling trends.
• Build a collaborative culture that reflects the diversity of the metro area.

Requirements

• Proven experience in journalism, particularly in an editorial role.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and mentor a team of reporters.
• Expertise in digital storytelling and various content formats.
• Ability to analyze metrics and derive actionable insights for coverage.
• Experience in beat reporting and sourcing public records.
• Excellent editing skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work with diverse teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with audience engagement strategies and metrics analysis.
• Familiarity with SEO best practices and digital content trends.
• Background in covering local news and issues relevant to the community.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options
• Employee discount programs