Local Government Editor

Hearst Newspapers•Houston, TX

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a Local Government Editor to lead coverage of Houston City Hall, Harris County and the region’s fast-growing suburbs. Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, and Harris County is one of the most populous and politically significant counties in America. It's home to Ted Cruz, will host the RNC in 2028 and has been at the center of a years-long clash between a Democratic-run county and a Republican state government. Decisions made here influence policy debates across Texas and increasingly at the national level. This editor will play a central role in advancing the Chronicle’s core content strategy: We are first and best at breaking news. We deliver high-impact and exclusive reporting you cannot get anywhere else. We help you live here. Local government coverage sits at the center of that mission. This team explains how decisions about flooding, housing, public safety, taxes, infrastructure and growth shape daily life across the Houston region. The editor will lead a team responsible for competitive breaking news, agenda-setting coverage and service journalism that makes Houston easier to navigate. You will join a newsroom recognized nationally for innovation and investigative work, and one focused on growing digital audiences and deepening subscriber engagement. About the Houston Chronicle: The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands. Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston. All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home. About Hearst Newspapers: With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits. Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at [email protected]. Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address. #LI-KR1 #LI-Hybrid

Requirements

Has at least 8 years of relevant journalism experience, including significant experience as a senior reporter and/or editor covering government or politics
Thrives in competitive breaking news environments and knows how to build systems that win
Understands how to balance breaking news urgency with longer-term planning
Is fluent in digital storytelling and comfortable guiding coverage across formats
Uses metrics to inform strategy and coach reporters, without compromising news judgment
Can translate complex policy, budgets and bureaucratic systems into clear, accessible journalism
Demonstrates strong knowledge of journalism ethics
Leads with clarity, organization and accountability

Nice To Haves

Has knowledge of Houston and Harris County government, strongly preferred, or comparable experience in another major metro

Responsibilities

Set the vision and daily news agenda for city and county government coverage in alignment with our first-and-best, exclusive and service-driven content strategy
Lead a team of reporters to break news competitively and authoritatively
Drive high-impact accountability and enterprise reporting
Edit and elevate work across formats, including breaking news, explainers, live blogs, investigations and data projects
Develop beat strategies that prioritize deep sourcing, public records, exclusives and strong service angles
Ensure reporting is accurate, urgent and contextual, with rigorous editorial standards
Coach and develop reporters through clear expectations and consistent feedback
Partner with visuals, data, Capitol Bureau and audience teams to strengthen presentation, reach and subscriber impact
Use analytics and audience insights to refine coverage priorities
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that reflects the diversity of the Houston region