Senior Investigative Editor: California Accountability Leader

Arizona State University; California; Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with matching

22 vacation days

11 holidays including birthday

Parental leave

Tuition reductions

Professional development

Cell phone reimbursement

Job summary

Arizona State University’s NEWSWELL seeks a Senior State Investigative Reporter/Editor to lead accountability reporting across Western newsrooms. You will originate, scope and execute robust investigations, mentor a small team and often serve as editor on projects.

The role emphasizes impact, audience connection, and collaboration with ASU’s Cronkite School. You will guide advanced public records work, data analysis and documentation-driven stories while promoting responsible AI tools and

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of reporting experience with a record of accountability or investigative work.
• Experience with public records, data-driven reporting and document analysis.
• Editing/leadership experience preferred; ability to guide a team.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, develop and produce original investigative stories with exclusive findings and measurable civic impact.
• Serve as first or second editor on projects; mentor local reporters.
• Lead complex public records reporting and data analysis; manage sensitive sources.
• Collaborate with ASU’s Cronkite School for student engagement and newsroom collaboration.
• Pilot new tools, including responsible AI, to enhance research and workflow.

Skills

Investigative mastery

Financial literacy

Data reporting

Digital fluency

Leadership and mentorship

AP style proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in journalism

Tools

SQL

R or Python

ArcGIS / QGIS

Job description

Arizona State University’s NEWSWELL seeks a Senior State Investigative Reporter/Editor to lead accountability reporting across Western newsrooms. You will originate, scope and execute robust investigations, mentor a small team and often serve as editor on projects.

The role emphasizes impact, audience connection, and collaboration with ASU’s Cronkite School. You will guide advanced public records work, data analysis and documentation-driven stories while promoting responsible AI tools and