Urgency editor

USA Today•Nashville, TN

11d

About The Position

The Urgency Editor is a dynamic newsroom leader responsible for driving fast, distinctive and audience-focused journalism across the newsroom. This editor launches the breaking news report each morning and ensures the newsroom responds quickly and strategically to the stories that matter most. Beyond breaking news, the Urgency Editor serves as a catalyst for aggressive beat reporting, helping reporters identify opportunities, sharpen angles and produce journalism that stands apart from the competition. The ideal candidate is a talented editor and writer with a proven track record of leading high-impact coverage, thriving under pressure and delivering audience growth through smart, innovative storytelling. This person combines urgency with strategy, using metrics, data, reporting tools and authorized AI to inform decisions and maximize reach. They are a collaborative, compassionate leader who helps reporters do their best work and creates a culture of ambition, accountability and support.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of experience covering and managing breaking news coverage in a fast-paced newsroom.
Demonstrated success leading coverage that outperformed competitors and delivered significant audience growth.
Strong news judgment and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Exceptional writing and editing skills.
Proven ability to coach and develop journalists of varying experience levels.
Experience using audience metrics, analytics and data to inform editorial decisions.
Strong understanding of digital publishing, search, social platforms and audience engagement strategies.
Experience using data tools, public records and emerging newsroom technologies, including authorized AI applications.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines simultaneously.
Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.

Nice To Haves

A history of finding creative solutions when circumstances appear impossible.
Examples of journalism "Hail Marys" — moments when innovative thinking, persistence and leadership transformed difficult situations into audience-winning journalism.
A gifted writer and editor.
A strategic thinker who looks around corners and anticipates what happens next.
Relentlessly curious and highly competitive.
Comfortable making decisions in high-pressure situations.
Driven by audience needs and newsroom impact.
Skilled at transforming rough ideas into compelling journalism, even on the tightest deadlines.
A trusted newsroom thought partner whom reporters seek out for guidance.
Compassionate, empathetic and committed to helping others succeed.
Collaborative, approachable and respected by colleagues across the newsroom.

Responsibilities

Launch and lead daily breaking news coverage, ensuring rapid, accurate and competitive reporting.
Coordinate newsroom resources and coverage plans to ensure timely response to developing stories.
Drive urgency across the newsroom, identifying opportunities for reporters and teams to advance coverage throughout the day.
Partner with beat reporters and editors to elevate enterprise, watchdog and trending stories.
Monitor audience metrics, search trends, social engagement and other data signals to guide coverage decisions.
Use data, analytics and authorized AI tools to identify opportunities, anticipate emerging stories and inform newsroom strategy.
Develop distinctive coverage plans that separate the newsroom from competitors and attract loyal audiences.
Coach reporters on story framing, structure, reporting, deadlines and digital presentation.
Edit and write stories quickly and effectively while maintaining high standards for accuracy, fairness and clarity.
Collaborate with visual journalists, producers and audience teams to maximize story impact.
Lead newsroom conversations about urgency, innovation and audience needs.
Help maintain a newsroom culture that is ambitious, collaborative and supportive.