National News Editor

$80,000 - $105,800/Yr

Gannett - McLean, VA

Full-time - Manager

McLean, VA

Publishing Industries

About the position

USA TODAY is seeking a dynamic, experienced National News Editor to join its Nation desk. This versatile editor will report to the Managing Editor for National News and lead a team of approximately four reporters. The primary focus of this role is to deliver timely and accurate breaking news as well as unique, engaging, reader-focused enterprise stories. The ideal candidate will be digitally focused and audience-driven, understanding the importance of metrics to guide coverage. They must possess top-notch editing skills, capable of elevating a good story to a great one, and writing engaging headlines that invite curiosity from readers. Experience in editing or reporting on the education, health, or climate beats is a plus. The National News Editor should be a consummate team player, willing and able to jump in and help wherever needed, whether it be helming a live blog, providing a quick, clean line edit, or shaping and delivering complex enterprise and project work. They should exude positive energy and foster a collaborative spirit among fellow editors, motivating both veteran and early-career reporters to grow and produce their best work. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential, as is the ability to anticipate future coverage needs and react to complex breaking news events with speed, accuracy, fairness, and sophistication. A strong sense of empathy and ethical standards are crucial, along with a commitment to ensuring that coverage includes a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and voices.

Responsibilities

• Coach reporters to produce a steady stream of breaking news and enterprise coverage on a wide variety of topics.
• Work with content strategists and team leaders to ensure coverage of topics and issues most important to key audiences.
• Develop enterprise coverage plans around tentpole events and other critical moments to connect with readers.
• Monitor real-time metrics to develop a clear picture of audience opportunities.
• Collaborate with other editors to produce coverage using innovative approaches.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, or any other subject, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• More than three years of editing experience.
• Proven proficiency in applying analytics to content strategy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• SEO knowledge.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Strong line-editing skills with AP style.
• Strong people-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range between $80,000.00 and $105,800.00, based on skills and experience.
• Variable compensation may be applicable based on the role.
• Remote work flexibility.