Politics Editor

The San Francisco Standard; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive and equitable total compensation packages

Target salary range of $150k to $170k

Stock options program for full-time employees

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible paid time off

Professional development and training

Job summary

A local news startup is seeking a Politics Editor to manage a team focused on California government and elections. The ideal candidate will have experience leading politics coverage and excellent journalism skills. This in-person role in San Francisco offers competitive compensation and benefits including stock options and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading politics coverage as an editor or senior reporter.
• A track record of delivering high-quality journalism including investigative and breaking news.
• Extensive knowledge of editorial processes and journalism ethics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and edit breaking news, features, and investigations.
• Shape strategy and planning around major electoral events.
• Juggle reporting and writing alongside editing and managing.

Skills

Experience covering politics in California

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills

Excellent news judgment

Proficiency with digital content management systems

Leadership and interpersonal skills

Job description

The San Francisco Standard is a local news startup that is fast becoming a must-read for residents of the Bay Area and beyond.

In support of our mission, we are seeking a curious and collaborative politics editor to oversee the cornerstone of our agenda-setting, scoop-chasing newsroom. In this role, you will manage a growing team of journalists focused on San Francisco and California government and elections.

The ideal candidate has experience leading politics coverage as an editor or senior reporter, in the Bay Area or at the state level. We are looking for someone with a sharp eye for the great characters, power moves, injustices, absurdities, eccentricities, and triumphs of San Francisco and California politics—and who can direct impactful reporting and find surprising angles that attract readers both in the region and nationally. Our ideal candidate has great news judgment, a commitment to the highest ethical standards, and the imagination to engage with new approaches, tools, and processes.

The politics editor’s duties include assigning and editing breaking news, features, and investigations while shaping strategy and planning around major events such as next year’s midterms and gubernatorial elections. You’ll be asked to participate in live in-person and virtual events, so comfort speaking onstage/on-camera is a plus. We would also prefer a candidate who is able to juggle some reporting and writing alongside editing and managing.

As a company that values diversity and inclusion, we encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

What you bring:

• Experience covering politics in California
• A track record of delivering high-quality journalism including investigative, narrative, explanatory, and breaking news
• Extensive knowledge of editorial processes, fact-checking, and journalism ethics
• Excellent news judgment and ability to prioritize stories and make quick decisions
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with digital content management systems and social media
• A demonstrated ability to think both creatively and strategically
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues

We also value Spanish and Cantonese language skills.

Where/when you’ll work:

This role may require early morning, evening or weekend work. We are an in-person newsroom in San Francisco; this is not a remote role.

Benefits & perks:

• Competitive and equitable total compensation packages
• Target salary range of $150k to $170k
• Stock options program for full-time employees
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• Professional development and training

Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and at least three work samples, including examples of work that you have edited.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value all aspects of diversity, and do not discriminate based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, veteran status, genetic information or disability. We are committed to hiring a diverse team, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.