State Politics Editor

Profiles; Citrus Heights (CA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization is seeking a State Politics Editor to spearhead political reporting in California. This role requires extensive expertise in state politics, a solid network for breaking news, and strong leadership capabilities. Responsibilities include leading coverage, mentoring reporters, and ensuring high-quality content across platforms. Ideal candidates must possess exceptional editorial judgment, a deep understanding of California's political landscape, and proven experience in both daily and investigative journalism. This is a full-time, remote position.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to set the political news agenda.
• Demonstrated experience managing a team of reporters.
• Skilled in audience engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead political coverage with exclusives and analysis.
• Serve as subject matter expert on California politics.
• Mentor and lead political reporters.

Skills

Expertise in California politics

Strong network of political contacts

Leadership experience

Editorial judgment

Writing and editing skills

Job description

Join to apply for the State Politics Editor role at Profiles.

This range is provided by Profiles. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$100,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr

A leader in the media and journalism industry is hiring a State Politics Editor in Sacramento, CA, for a full-time, remote position.

Note: While this position is presently remote, that could change in the future so candidates MUST live within the Sacramento area.

Summary

Our client is looking for a State Politics Editor to lead our political coverage, setting the agenda with hard‑hitting exclusives and the sharpest analysis in the state. Based in Sacramento and reporting to the News Editor, this role demands deep knowledge of California politics, a robust network of top‑tier political contacts, and an unwavering commitment to holding those in power accountable.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of breaking major political stories in California and a reputation for delivering scoops that drive the conversation. As both a team leader and collaborator, the Politics Editor will work closely with the News Editor, Editor‑in‑Chief, and a team of political reporters in Sacramento.

In addition to exceptional news judgment and analytical skills, the State Politics Editor must be adept at working seamlessly across digital and print platforms, ensuring our reporting reaches the widest possible audience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the political coverage with agenda‑setting reporting, exclusives, and analysis.
• Serve as the newsroom’s subject matter expert on California politics, maintaining deep knowledge of state and city issues.
• Build and sustain a wide‑ranging network of political contacts to break stories and uncover new angles.
• Commission, edit, and produce high‑quality content across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
• Mentor and lead political reporters in producing breaking news and fast‑turnaround stories, as well as developing longer‑term investigative projects.
• Work closely with the News Editor, Editor‑in‑Chief, and reporting teams in Sacramento and Los Angeles to deliver impactful coverage.
• Exercise sharp editorial judgment to prioritize stories, balancing exclusives, daily news, and long‑form analysis.
• Ensure political reporting is accessible and engaging to diverse audiences, tailoring style and tone appropriately.
• Collaborate with digital and audience teams to amplify political coverage across social, video, audio, and emerging platforms.
• Represent the company publicly as a thought leader in political journalism when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in California politics, with an unparalleled record of breaking significant political stories.
• A strong, well‑established network of political contacts and a drive to continuously expand it.
• Proven ability to set the political news agenda through exclusives and incisive analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to manage and collaborate with a team of reporters.
• Exceptional editorial judgment and instincts to identify the stories that matter most.
• Skilled in writing, editing, and commissioning across platforms, with a strong grasp of audience engagement strategies.
• Comfort working in both fast‑paced daily news environments and on longer‑term investigative pieces.
• High level of self‑motivation, commitment to teamwork, and ability to succeed in a competitive media landscape.
• Proficiency with digital publishing systems and familiarity with multimedia formats (social, video, audio) to maximize reach.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Writing/Editing

Industries

Broadcast Media Production and Distribution; Retail Books and Printed News