Metro Editor

The Ventura County Star/vcstar.com, the leading news organization for a diverse region of 840,000 residents and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a dynamic leader to head its city coverage and breaking news while driving growth in digital subscriptions and audience.

The Metro Editor will lead a team of reporters who covers the region's 10 cities and breaking news with the ability to identify enterprise and investigative pieces that hold the powerful accountable and make a difference in readers' lives.

Our ideal candidate will have proven project management skills and excellent news judgment The editor will have the ability to supervise quick-turn daily stories while organizing larger investigations that may take weeks. This editor should be able to help reporters fine-tune their writing as well as sharpen their reporting.

• Leading a team of four to six reporters and collaborating with others across the newsroom to identify and execute powerful journalism.
• Conceptualizing stories, working with reporters to develop reporting plans and editing their work into a polished and engaging final form.
• Driving innovative storytelling in all formats, from written word to video, audio and graphics.
• Guiding journalists by consultation and coaching before, during and after the creation of content.
• Identifying and addressing training needs of individuals and groups.
• Supervising production of both print and digital news products (often simultaneously).
• Collaborating with other editors across the USA TODAY Network on best practices and multi-site projects.
• Working evenings and one weekend day.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of journalism experience. At least 2 years of editing experience.
• Command of media law, libel law, open records law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Strong planning and organizational skills and a proven ability to lead teams and push journalists to do their best work and help reporters execute with urgency.
• An ability to manage multiple projects and juggle short-term and long-term reporting efforts.
• A keen understanding of how to make complex stories relatable, plus the ability to digest large amounts of information and "see the story."
• An understanding of how to use records and data to answer questions.
• Strong story-telling skills.
• An understanding of metrics, social media and SEO principles.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Advanced knowledge of writing, spelling, grammar, AP and local style.
• Able to multitask and excel under deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to effectively manage and coordinate in an environment of accountability.
• Track record in recruiting a highly successful leadership team.
• Knowledge of Ventura County and Southern California is a plus.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
4. Names and contact information for 2 references, including at least one person who has supervised your work.