Deputy Investigations and Storytelling Editor

Deputy Investigations and Storytelling Editor

Location: This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska, Hawaii and Wyoming.

Reports To: Executive Editor for Investigations and Storytelling, USA TODAY

We are seeking a dynamic and seasoned journalist to join our team as a Deputy Investigations and Storytelling Editor at USA TODAY.

This role calls for an individual with a proven history of crafting sophisticated narratives and a knack for chasing the best stories. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated track record of leading big projects and elevating accountability journalism even during relentless breaking news. Through collaboration and creativity, guide reporters' immersive reporting through keenly observed moments, and exceptional writing and embracing nonlinear story formats and artificial intelligence.

This editor thinks first about the story and then finds the right mechanism and liaises with the newsroom to elevate it. Additionally, this editor must drive accountability reporting with rigor, precision, accuracy and an urgency to connect with the audience.

This role is pivotal in driving our most ambitious journalism projects, focusing on delivering groundbreaking stories that resonate with a wide and diverse audience.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Executive Editor for Investigations and Storytelling and the Managing Editor for Investigations and data to set strategic goals and vision for investigative journalism.
• Lead and mentor a team of reporters to produce high-quality accountability and narrative journalism.
• Craft compelling narratives using character development, scene setting, and story arcs.
• Ensure the highest journalistic standards across digital and print platforms, supporting the First Amendment.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and excellence within the team.
• Work closely with editors and reporters across USA TODAY and the USA TODAY NETWORK to produce impactful journalism.
• Analyze audience metrics to inform and refine storytelling strategies.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience across multiple storytelling platforms.
• At least 5 years of experience in newsroom leadership.
• Expertise in narrative storytelling and elevating stories with a curiosity for integrating AI tools to aid the journalistic process.
• Strong leadership, innovation, and goal achievement skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in project management and audience metrics analysis.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $103,000 and $160,938. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

Client-provided location(s): Flexible / Remote

Job ID: utn-88314

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-24T20:33:55