Politics Editor

$90,000 - $90,000/Yr

The Texas Tribune - Austin, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Austin, TX

About the position

The Texas Tribune is seeking a full-time Politics Editor to manage the newsroom's politics desk, overseeing a team of reporters dedicated to accountability journalism and political coverage in Texas. The Politics Editor will play a crucial role in shaping the newsroom's approach to campaigns, elections, and legislative sessions, ensuring comprehensive reporting that resonates with Texans across diverse backgrounds. This position requires a deep understanding of Texas politics and a commitment to high-quality journalism.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of full-time reporters including Texas-based political reporters, a Washington, D.C.-based congressional reporter, and a newsletter reporter.
• Set the vision for the politics newsletter and other relevant news products.
• Collaborate with data and product teams on election results and campaign finance analyses.
• Assign, edit, and report stories across various beats as needed.
• Work with the audience team to expand the reach of reporting to broader and targeted audiences.
• Participate in panel discussions for Tribune events and the annual Texas Tribune Festival.
• Engage in radio and television appearances with media partners.
• Ensure coverage includes a strong mix of accountability journalism, features, and ground-up reporting.

Requirements

• 11+ years of experience in journalism, particularly in political reporting.
• Strong management skills with experience guiding and coaching reporters.
• Excellent writing skills with a firm grasp of AP style.
• Strong time-management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage a talented team.
• Familiarity with journalistic ethics and libel law.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience and deep knowledge of Texas politics and government is preferred but not mandatory.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Cellphone stipend
• 20 days of paid time off each year
• Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave, plus four weeks of additional job protection
• 401(k) matching
• Remote working flexibility