USA TODAY News Desk Editor
About The Position
Do you want to be in the middle of the nation’s biggest news stories? Do you thrive during breaking news situations? If so, we have an opening for an editor on USA TODAY’s News Desk, the newsroom’s primary editing hub and our critical first-response team for breaking news. The News Desk ensures our stories adhere to grammar and style, are optimized for SEO and carry must-read headlines. News Desk editors are also the primary newsroom first responders to breaking news, working closely with reporters on various teams to provide rapid and responsible coverage, and a deep understanding of audience needs during fast-moving events. A successful candidate will have excellent writing skills, an eagle eye as a line editor, and be comfortable working on coverage of a wide range of topics, from major political developments to breaking crime stories, weather and the latest trends. Excellent communication skills, a collaborative spirit and a sense of urgency are key to this role. The editor should be able to independently make smart, fast decisions in a large and busy newsroom, and take control of a live blog for a major developing story. The editor should be able to switch seamlessly between tasks as new priorities arise. A strong candidate will have experience covering major breaking news, an understanding of how to balance speed with the highest ethical standards, and comfort directing reporters of varying experience levels. This is an exciting, fast-paced job on a fast-moving team. Night and weekend work will be required as news events and organizational needs dictate. This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska, Hawaii and Wyoming, although employees in Washington, DC, and New York City are welcome and encouraged to work from our offices there.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years of newsroom experience, with a demonstrated track record of editing and/or reporting on significant breaking news.
- Exceptional news judgment and a sophisticated grasp of how to serve audience needs for information.
- Strong editing skills and the ability to sharpen story structure, angles and presentation.
- Experience collaborating with visuals, audience and digital teams.
- Strong command of grammar, style and digital storytelling techniques.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
- The ability to work quickly and calmly in fast-moving news cycles.
Responsibilities
- Edit stories from across the USA TODAY newsroom for grammar, style, structure and completeness.
- Respond with urgency to breaking news as it arises, ensuring fast and responsible coverage.
- Lead live coverage of major stories and events, including directing reporters, assigning stories, and collaborating with other editors across the newsroom.
- Write engaging headlines and ensure stories are optimized in line with SEO best practices.
- Monitor audience metrics and use them to guide coverage decisions.
- Collaborate closely with newsroom teams and across the USA TODAY Network, encouraging a collegial, creative, and solutions-focused approach.
- Ensure the team’s journalism meets USA TODAY’s high standards for accuracy, ethics and audience relevance.
- Bring a zeal for innovation and experimentation.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
