Investigations Editor
The Seattle Times, one of the nation’s premier regional news sources for investigative journalism, is looking for a star Investigations Editor to help lead and grow our latest community-funded journalism effort. We believe our future depends on our ability to produce deeply reported, compellingly told and visually striking investigative and watchdog reporting that our digital and print readers can’t get anywhere else. Through our recently launched Investigative Journalism Fund, a community-funded partnership with the Seattle Foundation, we plan to build one of the largest local investigative teams in the nation.
Our expanded team will increase our ability to engage the public, call for accountability and explore solutions that make a difference for the people in our coverage area. In addition to leading our investigative reporting projects, our new editor will be a member of our newsroom’s leadership team as an Assistant Managing Editor and will play a key role in helping us recruit and build a team of talented journalists that reflects the rich, cultural diversity of the region we cover.
Candidates must have a proven track record of:
- Producing investigations that spur changes to public policy locally, regionally or nationally, or that shine a spotlight on injustice.
- Working with reporters to produce compellingly written single stories or packages.
- Narrative editing.
- Using data and public records to identify stories and deepen their reporting.
- Spotting stories that no one else has.
- Effectively using the legal system to win access to information and safeguard the reporting and reputation of an organization.
- Working collaboratively with the digital, visual and news developer teams.
- Working with beat reporters across the newsroom to generate investigative ideas.
Qualifications
- Experience: At least five years of experience as an investigative reporter, with at least three years’ experience as an investigative editor.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or directly related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- A strong belief in public service and in reflecting the humanity of story subjects.
- A commitment to diversity in hiring and news coverage.
- Direct experience producing investigative packages for multiple platforms.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills.
- Ability to manage high-end reporters and help them grow.
- Ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple projects.
- A demonstrated grounding in FOIA law.
- Experience working with the legal system, including working with lawyers, to gain access to information.
- Experience training the newsroom in access and other legal issues.
- Strong budget management.
- Strong performance management skills.
- A strong background in using and understanding data.
- Ability to use analytics to track readership and engagement of stories.
Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, independent newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. As the largest newsroom in the Pacific Northwest, we serve the region with thoughtful journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 1.8 million. At The Seattle Times, you’ll find work that matters.