Hearst Communications - Houston, TX
posted 5 months ago
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, engaging in work that is crucial to our audiences across the region. In this position, the editor will shape and lead coverage with a proactive approach to breaking news and a nuanced expertise to develop deeper enterprise and accountability work. Utilizing metrics to derive insights will be essential in shaping coverage and understanding how best to serve our audiences. The editor will craft and edit coverage across a variety of digital story forms, 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 audience-centered beat reporting, cultivate sourcing, obtain public records, and deliver exclusive stories. The role includes developing the talents of staffers through constructive criticism and evaluations, coordinating daily with reporters in the field to ensure the production of unique content for Houstonians. Collaboration with other Chronicle team leaders, including the visual team, data team, and audience team, will be vital to bring stories to life. The editor will also coach best practices in SEO, digital tactics, and evolving digital storytelling trends, while fostering a collaborative culture rooted in diverse teams that reflect the metro's diversity in all aspects, from culture to 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 a variety of digital story forms including quick-hits, explainers, and videos.
- Develop audience-centered beat reporting and cultivate sourcing.
- Provide constructive criticism and evaluations to develop staff talents.
- Coordinate daily with reporters to produce unique content for the community.
- Collaborate with other team leaders to enhance storytelling.
- Coach best practices in SEO and digital storytelling trends.
- Foster a collaborative culture that reflects the diversity of the metro area.
Requirements
- Proven experience in journalism and editorial leadership.
- Strong understanding of digital storytelling and audience engagement.
- Ability to analyze metrics and derive actionable insights.
- Experience in coaching and developing journalistic talent.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with data visualizations and multimedia storytelling.
- Familiarity with SEO best practices and digital content strategies.
- Background in covering local news and community issues.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Paid holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible scheduling options
- Employee discount programs
