Deputy Editor, Times of San Diego

NEWSWELL at Arizona State University•San Diego, CA

19d•$70,990 - $75,005

About The Position

The Deputy Editor is a strategic, collaborative newsroom leader fluent in both digital and print who helps guide Times of San Diego’s editorial vision while helping support day‑to‑day operations while guiding the print schedules of six community papers. The position reports directly to the general manager/editor and works closely with other newsroom leaders, as well as contributors across print, digital and social platforms. Times of San Diego is a nonprofit, community‑driven news organization serving San Diego County with impactful, accessible and ethical journalism. We publish across digital, print and social platforms and are committed to serving diverse audiences with timely, reliable local news. Times of San Diego launched in 2014, joined NEWSWELL in 2024 and joined forces with the San Diego Community Newspaper Group last year. NEWSWELL helps newsrooms become nonprofit and for-community. It provides strategic guidance, innovative solutions and wrap-around operations so local journalists can focus on local news, and newsrooms can best serve their communities. NEWSWELL partners with Arizona State University, the nation’s most innovative 10 years in a row, to offer game-changing ideas, tools and research. NEWSWELL transforms local news to help communities and democracy thrive. The pay scale for this position ranges from $70,990 to $75,005 annually. The deputy managing editor must live — or be willing to relocate — to the San Diego area.

Requirements

Strong editing and coaching abilities, with sharp news judgment, attention to detail and a focus on accuracy.
Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
A demonstrated passion for local journalism and a deep commitment to serving the community.
Proficiency in Associated Press style and a strong command of grammar.
Familiarity with editorial planning, project management and budgeting tools, such as Airtable and Excel.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or related field related or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 3–5 years of newsroom experience, including editing and managing coverage.
Strong news judgment, leadership and time management skills.
Excellent editing and reporting abilities, with deep familiarity with AP style.
Experience managing print publishing schedules.
Proficiency with editorial planning, workflow and analytics tools.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of San Diego communities and local issues.
Experience shaping newsroom SEO strategy, social engagement or audience‑development initiatives.
Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Work with the general manager/editor to establish strategic editorial plans that align with long‑range coverage priorities, anticipate emerging trends and maintain a high editorial standard for all published work.
Assist with day‑to‑day newsroom operations in collaboration with the general manager/editor.
Book out each week’s print publications by assigning freelance work, reshaping stories to fit in a given geographical area, coordinating shared content with web-focused editors and anticipating major community events to coincide with a publishing schedule.
Lead or co‑lead daily editorial and weekly enterprise meetings to coordinate coverage priorities.
Make editorial decisions in the general manager/editor’s absence.
Identify, prioritize and assign high‑impact stories in partnership with the assignment editor/reporter and assistant editor.
Oversee the editorial quality of all published content by guiding high‑level story development, strengthening narrative focus and ensuring coverage meets the newsroom’s journalistic and ethical standards.
Guide long‑term and short‑term editorial planning across digital, print and social platforms.
Collaborate with digital and visual teams to develop strong multiplatform storytelling.
Create an inclusive work environment that values diversity, fosters belonging, empowers others and nourishes a culture that pushes for and celebrates wins.
Foster a culture of innovation by harnessing fresh ideas and experimenting with new tools, technologies and techniques that enhance digital and social media storytelling.
Drive audience engagement through social media, SEO and immersive reporting experiences.