Breaking News Editor
The Charlotte Observer’s news editor leads our breaking news and public safety coverage.
This editor will work closely with the deputy managing editor and others to lead our journalists in selecting, pursuing and writing stories that will inform, entertain and ignite the interest of readers in the Charlotte area and beyond. Day-to-day duties will include assisting with assignments, scheduling, story budgeting, editing and ensuring that our work reaches the widest audience possible. This editor will also have important responsibilities like producing a daily audio news briefing (training provided), assisting with homepage management and production needs, and communicating with the Observer’s in-market TV partner to share and promote content.
This is a position for a well-rounded journalist with news reporting experience as well as a strong background in editing. This editor should be a skilled coach who can help reporters build sources, come up with story ideas and elevate their overall coverage.
Duties and responsibilities:
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Edit breaking news as well as daily and enterprise stories for all platforms.
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Assist reporters in developing beats and story ideas exclusive to the Observer.
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Work with reporters and editors to bring those ideas to publication in a timely manner.
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Coach reporters to achieve high-quality journalism and strong audience results.
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Work with visuals team to ensure video and photos are included with most stories.
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Use strong editing and writing skills and excellent news judgment to help shape our journalism and get it in front of digital readers.
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Use appropriate social media platforms to distribute and highlight work
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Work across McClatchy newsrooms and departments on shared content and projects
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Skillfully use content management systems
Education and knowledge:
- College degree required.
- Minimum of two years’ experience editing and leading reporters in a daily newsroom.
- Extensive background in journalism, video and online media preferred.
Skills:
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Excellent story-editing and story-development skills.
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Strong news judgment. Models journalistic values of accuracy, fairness, balance and objectivity.
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A sense of urgency and a calm demeanor.
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Exceptionally fast and impeccably accurate.
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Excellent copy-editing skills.
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Strict ethics and dedication to high-quality journalism.
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Strong organizational and planning skills.
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Keen instincts in pursuing stories that will resonate with readers.
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Solid understanding of SEO, social media and other audience growth tools.
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Experience using audience analytics to guide reporting and publishing decisions.
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Patience and experience in working with staffers at all skill levels, from interns to veteran reporters.
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An understanding of police agencies and the court system.
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A collaborative personality and a track record of working well with newsroom editors and news partners.
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Experience working with content management systems, databases and other tools.
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Ability to coach writers and other editors.
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Resourceful, able to anticipate needs and bring new ideas to the newsroom.
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Ability to understand and use readership data to inform our editorial process.
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An interest in telling stories using a variety of media, and a quick study in learning new skills and technologies.
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Skill and versatility as an editor, including the ability to shape everything we create – breaking news briefs, enterprise take-outs, long-form magazine-style pieces, video, graphics – in a way that best serves and engages the broadest possible audience.
What we’ll bring:
As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.
Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.
To apply, include a persuasive cover letter and your resume.
About McClatchy:
Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.
As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.