Government and politics editor

USA TODAY Co. • Indianapolis, IN

15h

About The Position

IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network, is hiring a watchdog-minded, politically savvy journalist to lead a team of reporters in a competitive news market. The editor will shape politics and government coverage from breaking news and contextualized enterprise reporting to investigative and watchdog journalism. The role is especially important following the 2026 midterm elections and ahead of the Indiana legislative session and a competitive mayoral election.

The editor will keep audiences at the center of coverage, focusing on what Central Indiana residents need to know about their governments. They will value urgency and scoops, embrace experimentation, learn from unsuccessful approaches, and adapt quickly. The successful candidate will bring political reporting experience, strong editing and news judgment, and the ability to lead with empathy while challenging and supporting colleagues at all experience levels.

The role is part of a collaborative newsroom leadership team. IndyStar is a Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom based in a vibrant and diverse Midwestern city. Its mission is to inform, empower, and inspire the people of Central Indiana through essential, urgent journalism, thoughtful experimentation, and development of future newsroom leaders.

Requirements

• At least five years of journalism experience, including political reporting or editing experience.
• Proven proficiency in applying analytics to content strategy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Comfort working in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of social media and SEO.
• Strong line-editing skills.
• Strong people-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience with public records and data journalism.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.
• Application materials must be submitted as a single document containing a one- to two-page resume, a cover letter outlining the applicant's approach to the job, and links to three online work samples.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of news reporters covering Indianapolis City Hall, Hamilton County, the Indiana Statehouse, and the federal delegation.
• Lead and provide coverage of national or statewide interest for the USA TODAY Network.
• Mentor reporters on source-building, interviewing, and public records.
• Reach audiences through varied story formats, video, and other visuals.
• Use metrics and internal metrics experts to guide the team's approach to stories.
• Handle other editing duties as needed, including evening and weekend editor rotations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager