Editor, Spotlight

Boston Globe Media•Boston, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Boston Globe is looking for a dynamic investigative editor to lead its vaunted Spotlight Team. This position represents not only the top investigative job at the Globe, but also one of the crown jewels of American journalism. As Spotlight editor, you'll lead a world class team of investigative reporters and editors doing groundbreaking accountability work. Your remit covers Greater Boston, but your impact will be felt around the world. Over its 56 years, the Spotlight Team has consistently delivered legendary reports that have shaken the foundations of corrupt institutions and reshaped them for the better. We anticipate the next editor will not only continue this tradition, but will also bring a distinct new ambition for truth, justice, and transparency. But to reach these lofty goals, we need an editor committed to dogged, grinding, shoe-leather reporting. The Spotlight editor should be innately curious, properly skeptical, and unwaveringly committed. They should be a master at the craft: A skilled data reporter who knows how to pry public records from reluctant agencies and build a diverse source list. What's more, they need the vision to take a kernel of suspicion, uncover the mountain of injustice behind it, and drive it into public view through deft, narrative storytelling. The editor will be a leader in both position and manner. They will be an empathetic leader who can teach, nurture, and get the best out of their journalists, while also rallying them behind the Globe's most ambitious projects. The editor will report directly to the Editor of The Boston Globe, and will also be a senior leader across the organization. They will collaborate closely with other department heads in the newsroom, and also liaise closely with partners in our business sections. That may involve podcasts, books, TV and movie adaptations, and more.

Requirements

Substantial experience in investigative or accountability journalism, with a strong track record as both a reporter and an editor
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-month investigations from conception through publication, including working with legal, managing sensitive sourcing, and maintaining standards under pressure
Strong editing skills across all stages: story development, structure, line editing, and fact verification
Proven ability to coach journalists — especially the ability to spot potential in an early tip or idea and help develop it into something significant
Sound news judgment and the confidence to know when a story is ready and when it needs more work
Collaborative leadership style with experience managing a small, high-performing team
Deep commitment to accuracy, fairness, and ethical journalism
A willingness to adapt and be audience-focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment

Nice To Haves

Have experience leading investigations with regional, national, or international reach
Have a feel for the stories that matter most to New England and a source network to match
Have worked closely with data journalists or visual storytellers to deepen an investigation's impact

Responsibilities

Lead Spotlight's investigative strategy, setting priorities and maintaining a strong pipeline of high-impact, public-interest journalism
Edit investigations from the ground up, helping reporters develop ideas, build source networks, structure records requests, and execute a reporting plan through final publication
Provide substantive editing on drafts: structure, argument, prose, accuracy, and fairness
Coach and mentor reporters at all levels, with a particular focus on developing promising leads and early-stage ideas into fully realized investigations
Collaborate with the Editor of The Boston Globe and senior editors to align Spotlight's work with broader newsroom priorities
Work across departments including visual journalism, data, audience development and legal to give investigations the reach and rigor they need
Sustain a team culture where reporters feel supported to take risks, ask hard questions, and do their best work
Represent Spotlight in editorial conversations and serve as an advocate for investigative journalism across the newsroom