Investigative Editor
Req #37710
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Investigations Editor
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/jsonline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an experienced investigative journalist who is passionate about holding powerful people and institutions accountable, exposing wrongdoing and bringing about positive change in the community to lead our investigative reporting efforts.
We’re looking for an editor who views no investigation as too big or too small and is comfortable leading both quick-hit investigations and long-term projects.
The successful candidate has sharp instincts for a story, a dogged approach to pursuing tips, and can oversee shoe-leather reporting efforts as well as projects based on deep dives into data.
This editor should be experienced at guiding reporters to tell stories in a variety of formats to best reach and engage readers and the community.
We’re looking for an editor who is comfortable with narrative storytelling and also knows when and how to go beyond that to tell a story through ambitious visuals, digital experiences, audio and video.
This editor must also ensure our work reaches community members where they are, beyond the pages of our newspaper or website — from Google search to emerging social platforms.
The investigations editor will work with a team of seasoned reporters and stars-in-the-making, helping them do the best work of their careers. But this is also a central role in our statewide news operation:
You’ll guide reporters across Wisconsin to go bigger and deeper on their beats and respond to tips and breaking news in ways that break ground, tell the whole story and reveal solutions.
The Journal Sentinel has a track record of reporting that has changed laws and saved lives in Milwaukee and around the country, and garnered the kind of awards and recognition that has spurred the Washington Post and New York Times to consistently try to lure away our reporters.
This is your chance to work in a supportive newsroom with great colleagues — while guiding the kind of work that will have coastal-elite editors wondering, “What the heck is in the water in Milwaukee?”
We know not everyone will have all the skills and experience listed here. If you’re on the fence about applying, please do!
You’ll be joining a team that values continued learning and experimentation and will give you support to grow in this role.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of reporters in the production of in-depth investigative journalism, including overseeing story selection, reporting plans, digital presentation and publication.
- Edit projects and complex stories, as well as daily stories and follow-ups.
- Work collaboratively with other newsroom editors, reporters, and data journalists to integrate investigative reporting into our daily news coverage and long-term projects.
- Drive innovative storytelling in all formats, from written word to video, audio and graphics.
- Stay up to date with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in investigative journalism, and share your knowledge and insights.
- Identify and address coaching needs of individuals and teams.
- Uphold the highest ethical standards of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and impartiality.
- Help to foster a newsroom culture that values growth, learning and a diversity of viewpoints.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in investigative journalism, with a proven track record of producing impactful and award-winning investigative reporting.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of journalists to produce their best work.
- Excellent editing and storytelling skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to transform complex ideas into relatable stories.
- Organizational ability to manage multiple short- and long-term reporting efforts.
- Familiarity with using metrics to learn about reader habits and adjust priorities and formats to best serve audiences.
- Experience with data journalism and visual storytelling.
- Familiarity with the Milwaukee community and issues is a plus.
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism and the ability to foster an inclusive newsroom culture.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check.
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.
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.
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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Other details
- Job Family Content Management
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Salary
- Required Education Equivalent Experience