Managing Editor, State College regional bureau (non-guild)

Spotlight PA•,

16d•$80,000 - $90,000•Remote

About The Position

Spotlight PA is seeking a managing editor to lead its award-winning State College regional bureau, which covers 14 counties in north-central Pennsylvania. The bureau produces in-depth investigative and public-service reporting on Penn State, the health of rural communities, and urgent local government issues. Its journalism reaches audiences through Spotlight PA and a network of partner newsrooms, and the bureau also serves the region through events, a local newsletter, and collaboration with media and community organizations. The managing editor supervises three reporters based in north-central Pennsylvania, guiding the team’s accountability and public-service journalism. The role also includes writing and producing Talk of the Town, a three-day-a-week newsletter focused on news important to communities from the PA Wilds to Happy Valley. Other duties include working with community partners and appearing at in-person editorial and fundraising events. This is a full-time, remote position. Applicants should be based in or willing to relocate to north-central Pennsylvania, and the editor must have a strong working knowledge of Centre County and/or north-central Pennsylvania. The budgeted salary is $80,000–$90,000, depending on experience. The position includes benefits.

Requirements

Experience overseeing, editing, and executing local journalism from idea through publication, ideally with impact.
Strong editing and story organization skills.
Enthusiasm for working one-on-one with reporters at various stages of their careers.
Ability to bring forward big ideas and the skills and persistence to execute them.
Ability to work collaboratively with external partners.
Strong working knowledge of Centre County and/or north-central Pennsylvania.
Must be based in or willing to relocate to north-central Pennsylvania.

Nice To Haves

Experience producing journalism with impact.

Responsibilities

Supervise three reporters based in north-central Pennsylvania in producing accountability and public-service journalism.
Assign beats and coverage, and coach reporters on pitches, sourcing, and story structure.
Hold regular one-on-one meetings, set goals, and provide clear and frank feedback.
Address performance issues and, if necessary, recommend discipline to the Senior Managing Editor, Local.
Approve PTO and schedule changes based on coverage needs.
Lead recruitment and hiring for the team, recommend hires to senior management, and seek out talent.
Write and produce Talk of the Town, a three-day-a-week newsletter focused on north-central Pennsylvania communities.
Collaborate and work with community partners.
Appear at in-person editorial and fundraising events.
Handle other duties as assigned.