News Editor, The Stranger

NOISY CREEK•Seattle, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Stranger is seeking a News Editor to lead ambitious, original news coverage and strengthen the publication as an essential source for local Seattle news. Working closely with the Editor in Chief, the News Editor shapes coverage ranging from breaking news and daily reporting to investigations and accountability journalism. The role calls for sharp news judgment, curiosity about Seattle and its power structures, and the ability to push reporters toward stronger stories, better sourcing, and bolder angles. The News Editor supports beat ownership and helps reporters develop sources and expertise so they can consistently break news. The ideal candidate is fast, accurate, energized by a busy news cycle, and committed to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. The position typically works Monday through Friday, with possible nights and weekends during breaking news, elections, and other major events. Some telecommuting is permitted with approval from the Editor in Chief. The News Editor is expected to attend regular meetings at The Stranger's Capitol Hill offices and generally work from the office to lead and support reporters effectively. This is a full-time, exempt management position based in Seattle, with a listed salary of $100,000.

Requirements

At least 5 years of journalism experience, with a strong focus on news reporting and/or editing.
Strong news judgment and a proven ability to break stories.
Deep knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn, Seattle, King County, and Washington State politics and civic life.
Strong line-editing skills and the ability to edit quickly and cleanly on deadline.
Demonstrated experience coaching other journalists to strengthen their reporting and writing.
Solid understanding of media law, ethics, and sourcing standards.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience as an editor.
Experience at an alt-weekly or independent local news outlet, or demonstrated ability to compellingly report news overlooked, misunderstood, or under-investigated by other outlets.
An established network of sources in Seattle-area government and civic organizations.
Experience with public records requests, data journalism, or investigative reporting.
Experience planning election coverage or voter guides.

Responsibilities

Lead daily news coverage across the website, newsletters including Slog AM, and the monthly print edition.
Identify and own important Seattle stories; break news and cultivate original reporting on local government, politics, housing, public safety, labor, and other civic issues.
Assign, edit, and shape stories from breaking news to longform investigations, overseeing fact-checking, accuracy, clarity, and style.
Build and uphold beat discipline, ensuring reporters own their beats, develop sources, and provide consistent, authoritative coverage.
Coach and develop reporters and freelancers with clear, direct, supportive feedback to strengthen their reporting and writing.
Plan and lead election coverage and special news projects in partnership with the Editor in Chief.
Collaborate with the Arts, Photo, Art, Social, Podcast, and Video teams to tell stories across formats and platforms.
Meet production deadlines and goals for print and digital formats.
Partner with news editors across Noisy Creek publications to share stories, strategies, and best practices.
Help foster a newsroom culture grounded in journalistic integrity, healthy debate, and respect for colleagues.
Organize and oversee The Stranger Election Control Board.

Benefits

Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision premiums.
Employer retirement plan match.
Accrued paid vacation at two weeks annually, increasing to four weeks after five years.
Accrued paid sick time at one week per year, with rollover.
Nine paid holidays, a paid holiday week between December 24 and January 1, and two floating holidays.
Bereavement leave and jury duty leave, plus options to supplement state-paid family and medical leave.
Discounted transit pass.
Annual professional development stipend for training and career-related learning.
Employee Assistance Program providing wellness and financial support services.
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA).