Education Editing Fellow

USA Today • Detroit, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Detroit Free Press is looking for an experienced editor to lead a team of two education reporters for a one-year grant-funded fellowship. This role is part of a significant expansion of education coverage across Michigan. The fellow will collaborate with a statewide education reporting fellow and a regional education reporting fellow, guiding coverage to maximize its impact. Responsibilities include acting as a thought partner throughout the reporting process, from community relationship building to story development and editing, and facilitating community engagement. The team will utilize various media platforms, including video, social media, articles, in-person events, and visuals, to inform parents, lawmakers, and community leaders about the challenges facing Michigan's children, who are currently lagging in reading, math, attendance, and postsecondary education attainment compared to other states.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of editing or related experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong line-editing and story planning skills.
• Strong people-management and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable on camera, and interacting with readers and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of audience analytics, SEO and engagement strategies.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of two education reporters.
• Set priorities for coverage to have the most impact.
• Act as a thought partner for reporters from relationship building to story development and editing.
• Facilitate community engagement.
• Utilize various media and platforms (video, social, articles, in-person engagements, visuals) to inform the public.
• Ensure coverage helps parents, lawmakers, and community leaders understand challenges and solutions in education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree