Local News Editor

The Statesman Journal/statesmanjournal.com, the leading news organization for a diverse region based in Salem, Oregon and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an energetic editor to champion and own breaking news, public safety, trending and service journalism across Salem and Oregon. This editor is dedicated to delivering a timely and informative daily news report while driving engagement and audience growth.

A thorough understanding of public records, open meeting laws, and data analysis supports our mission to deliver reliable information to Salem and the surrounding communities. Salem is located between the Oregon Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges in the mid-Willamette Valley, famed for its agricultural land including hundreds of vineyards and wineries. The capital city is about one hour south of Portland, one hour north of Eugene and an hour west of the stunning Oregon Coast.

This editor's team will ensure the Statesman Journal remains Salem's trusted source for local audiences. Collaboration with other editors, digital producers, and photographers is key to maintaining our newsroom's commitment to serving the region's news needs in real time and across all channels.

Our ideal candidate has a proven track record of identifying breaking and trending news and delivering coverage that serves readers. They possess excellent news judgment, the ability to supervise quick-turn daily coverage, and a passion for guiding reporters toward impactful storytelling that informs and inspires the public. This editor uses audience metrics and digital insights to ensure coverage is relevant, engaging, and accessible, with particular attention to urgent public safety and community news.

This editor will be adept at coaching journalists, helping them refine their reporting and writing, manage their beats and leverage multimedia storytelling to reach audiences wherever they are. Previous experience in government, crime, and public safety coverage is highly valued.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the coverage of breaking, trending, and public safety news, while managing a team of reporters.
• Developing and overseeing service journalism that delivers timely, useful information to diverse audiences.
• Driving innovative storytelling in all formats-written, video, audio, and graphics-to enhance multimedia engagement.
• Coaching and consulting with journalists to elevate coverage quality and responsiveness.
• Identifying and fulfilling training needs to support a dynamic, multimedia-focused newsroom.
• Supervising simultaneous production of print and digital news products with emphasis on immediacy and relevance.
• Collaborating with editors across the USA TODAY Network on best practices and regional multi-site initiatives.
• Working evenings and weekends to ensure round-the-clock coverage of critical news developments.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of journalism experience, with at least 2 years in newsroom editing and leadership roles.
• Command of media law, libel law, open records law, and ethical standards.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, and a proven ability to lead teams in delivering urgent, high-impact news coverage.
• Expertise in managing multiple tasks and balancing daily news demands with long-term strategic audience growth.
• Ability to make complex stories accessible, with a keen sense for identifying and communicating urgent local issues.
• Experience in harnessing public records and data to inform coverage and answer community questions.
• Advanced storytelling skills with emphasis on multimedia engagement.
• Expert knowledge of audience metrics, social media, and SEO principles for maximizing reach and engagement.
• Self-motivation and ability to adapt to the evolving needs of a modern newsroom.
• Mastery of writing, spelling, grammar, AP and local style.
• Able to multitask and excel under the pressures of rapid, deadline-driven coverage.
• Understanding of the changing media landscape and a strategic approach to audience and market needs.
• Strong competitive instincts, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to public service journalism.
• Ability to manage and motivate a high-performing newsroom team.
• Knowledge of Salem and Oregon communities is a plus.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job and contribute to leading breaking, trending, and service journalism in Salem and Oregon.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work, highlighting your experience with multimedia and public safety coverage.
4. Names and contact information for 2 references, including at least one person who has supervised your work.