Urgency editor

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking an Urgency Editor to launch and lead daily breaking news coverage with rapid, accurate reporting. You will guide newsroom resources and drive urgency while partnering with beat reporters to elevate enterprise and trending stories.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record leading high‑impact coverage, thrives under pressure and uses metrics, data and authorized AI to inform decisions and maximize reach across platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience covering and managing breaking news in a fast-paced newsroom.
• Proven track record leading coverage that outperformed competitors and grew audiences.
• Strong news judgment and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Experience coaching journalists at varying levels and using audience metrics.

Responsibilities

• Launch and lead daily breaking news coverage with rapid, accurate reporting.
• Coordinate newsroom resources and coverage plans for timely responses to developments.
• Drive urgency and identify opportunities to advance coverage throughout the day.
• Partner with beat reporters and editors to elevate enterprise and trending stories.
• Monitor audience metrics and data signals to guide decisions.
• Use data and authorized AI tools to inform strategy and story selection.
• Develop distinctive coverage plans to distinguish the newsroom from competitors.
• Coach reporters on framing, structure, deadlines and digital presentation.
• Edit and write stories quickly while maintaining accuracy and fairness.
• Collaborate with visuals, producers and audience teams for impact.
• Lead conversations about urgency, innovation and audience needs.
• Foster a culture of ambition, collaboration and support.

Skills

Breaking news

Editorial leadership

Written communication

Data-informed decisions

AI tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor's in Journalism

Tools

Analytics platforms

Public records

CMS systems

Job description

The Urgency Editor

This editor launches the breaking news report each morning and ensures the newsroom responds quickly and strategically to the stories that matter most. Beyond breaking news, the Urgency Editor serves as a catalyst for aggressive beat reporting, helping reporters identify opportunities, sharpen angles and produce journalism that stands apart from the competition.

The ideal candidate is a talented editor and writer with a proven track record of leading high‑impact coverage, thriving under pressure and delivering audience growth through smart, innovative storytelling. This person combines urgency with strategy, using metrics, data, reporting tools and authorized AI to inform decisions and maximize reach. They are a collaborative, compassionate leader who helps reporters do their best work and creates a culture of ambition, accountability and support.

Responsibilities

• Launch and lead daily breaking news coverage, ensuring rapid, accurate and competitive reporting.
• Coordinate newsroom resources and coverage plans to ensure timely response to developing stories.
• Drive urgency across the newsroom, identifying opportunities for reporters and teams to advance coverage throughout the day.
• Partner with beat reporters and editors to elevate enterprise, watchdog and trending stories.
• Monitor audience metrics, search trends, social engagement and other data signals to guide coverage decisions.
• Use data, analytics and authorized AI tools to identify opportunities, anticipate emerging stories and inform newsroom strategy.
• Develop distinctive coverage plans that separate the newsroom from competitors and attract loyal audiences.
• Coach reporters on story framing, structure, reporting, deadlines and digital presentation.
• Edit and write stories quickly and effectively while maintaining high standards for accuracy, fairness and clarity.
• Collaborate with visual journalists, producers and audience teams to maximize story impact.
• Lead newsroom conversations about urgency, innovation and audience needs.
• Help maintain a newsroom culture that is ambitious, collaborative and supportive.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience covering and managing breaking news coverage in a fast‑paced newsroom.
• Demonstrated success leading coverage that outperformed competitors and delivered significant audience growth.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Proven ability to coach and develop journalists of varying experience levels.
• Experience using audience metrics, analytics and data to inform editorial decisions.
• Strong understanding of digital publishing, search, social platforms and audience engagement strategies.
• Experience using data tools, public records and emerging newsroom technologies, including authorized AI applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines simultaneously.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance journalism.

Preferred Characteristics

The successful candidate has a history of finding creative solutions when circumstances appear impossible. This person can point to examples of journalism “Hail Marys” — moments when innovative thinking, persistence and leadership transformed difficult situations into audience‑winning journalism.

The Ideal Candidate Is

• A gifted writer and editor.
• A strategic thinker who looks around corners and anticipates what happens next.
• Relentlessly curious and highly competitive.
• Comfortable making decisions in high‑pressure situations.
• Driven by audience needs and newsroom impact.
• Skilled at transforming rough ideas into compelling journalism, even on the tightest deadlines.
• A trusted newsroom thought partner whom reporters seek out for guidance.
• Compassionate, empathetic and committed to helping others succeed.
• Collaborative, approachable and respected by colleagues across the newsroom.

Success in This Role

Success means consistently leading urgent, high‑impact journalism that informs communities, grows audience and strengthens the newsroom’s competitive edge. The Urgency Editor not only delivers exceptional coverage but also helps others elevate their work, turning challenges into opportunities and helping the newsroom transform great reporting into indispensable journalism.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual's application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.