Weekend/Breaking News Editor

Society of Professional Journalists; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch.com, a leading news provider in Columbus, seeks a digitally fluent editor to lead weekend breaking news and daily coverage for Newark-based site. This role drives digital-first news gathering, multimedia storytelling, and engagement with diverse communities.

Responsibilities include guiding breaking coverage, championing video storytelling, and mentoring reporters across platforms with a focus on analytics, audience growth, and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of newsroom editing experience in a fast-paced, multi-platform environment.
• Strong judgment in digital and public safety journalism.
• Mentorship and leadership capabilities in a digital newsroom.

Responsibilities

• Lead weekend breaking news coverage and daily media site operations with a digital-first approach.
• Direct breaking and exclusive coverage, prioritizing mobile, web and social distribution.
• Mentor reporters in digital storytelling and diverse sourcing across platforms.

Skills

Digital-first journalism

Video production

Public records

Data visualization

Analytics

Audience engagement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in journalism or related field

Job description

The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch.com, the leading news and information provider in the state capital of Columbus and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a strategic, digitally fluent journalist to lead our weekend breaking news coverage and daily media site in nearby Newark. This editor will drive digital-first news gathering, champion multimedia storytelling, and ensure our journalism reflects and serves diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Help lead a Digital-First Newsroom: Direct breaking and exclusive news coverage with a focus on speed, accuracy, and digital impact. Assign and edit coverage for all platforms, prioritizing mobile, web, and social distribution.
• Champion Video Storytelling: Collaborate with visual editors, reporters, and producers to create compelling video content for social platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube) and dispatch.com.
• Urgent Sourcing Across Channels: Develop and execute strategies for real-time sourcing and verification using social media, public agencies, and community sources. Monitor social platforms for breaking news, trending topics, and user-generated content; verify and incorporate multimedia from public and official sources.
• Audience Engagement: Identify top trending stories of the day, based on analytics and audience potential, specific to attracting search and social audiences. Use analytics and audience insights to shape coverage, drive subscriptions, and deepen engagement. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusivity.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Mentor reporters in digital news gathering, compelling narratives, and diverse sources. Collaborate across the newsroom and USA TODAY Network to enhance story forms and audience reach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Expertise in digital-first news gathering, video production, and social media sourcing.
• Expertise with public records, data reporting, and data visualization.
• Strong news judgment, editing skills, and command of journalism ethics.
• Proficiency with analytics, audience funnel strategies, and digital content optimization.
• Ability to verify and curate user-generated content and multimedia from social platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism, media production, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three or more years of newsroom editing experience, with a track record in digital and public safety journalism.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, multi-platform environment.

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