Watchdog Politics Editor — Indiana Leader

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, has an immediate opening for a watchdog-minded, politically savvy journalist who can lead a team of reporters in a competitive, newsy market in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This government and politics editor will shape coverage from breaking news to enterprise and investigations, with an audience-centric approach and strong editing. The role requires political reporting experience and the ability to mentor a diverse newsroom.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years in journalism, with political reporting or editing.
• Proven ability to apply analytics to content strategy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of social media and SEO best practices.
• Strong line-editing and people-management abilities.
• Experience with public records and data journalism.
• Solid understanding of media law and ethics.
• Bachelor's degree required; post-offer background check.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of reporters covering city hall, Hamilton County, the Indiana Statehouse and our federal delegation.
• Lead national or statewide coverage for the USA TODAY Network.
• Mentor reporters on sourcing, interviews and public records.
• Meet our audience where they are by using different story formats, video and other visuals to convey information.
• Use metrics to guide your team's approach to stories.
• Handle editing duties as needed, including evening and weekend editor rotations.

Skills

Journalism

Analytics

Communication

Deadline-driven

SEO

Editing

People management

Public records

Data journalism

Media law

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, has an immediate opening for a watchdog-minded, politically savvy journalist who can lead a team of reporters in a competitive, newsy market in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This government and politics editor will shape coverage from breaking news to enterprise and investigations, with an audience-centric approach and strong editing. The role requires political reporting experience and the ability to mentor a diverse newsroom.