Upstate New York Regional Enterprise Editor

UPSTATE NEW YORK REGIONAL ENTERPRISE EDITOR

This editor guides USA TODAY Network New York reporters in three regions of Upstate New York to pursue near-term and some long-term enterprise reporting answering “Who?”, “How?” and “Why?” questions relevant to New Yorkers in the communities we serve.

The successful candidate recognizes that the best editing occurs without ever touching a keyboard. They will be adept at front-end editing in the form of reporter pitch meetings, discussions of framing questions and a focus on reporting that utilizes the holy trinity of data and records, human experience and expert sources to answer one question quite well.

Above all, this editor reinforces daily that reporting should be people-centered and full of insights. We do not serve as stenographers, nor do we dump our notebooks with all we know about a subject into one story.

This editor helps reporters make coverage choices that serve the needs and interests of the audience, based on public interest and impact, digital reach of stories and a deep knowledge of key communities in the Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier and the Mohawk Valley. They support front-line journalists and coordinate with key partners such as digital producers to ensure a reliable flow of meaningful enterprise stories ranging from explanatory work to accountability reporting to powerful storytelling (and even the occasional “narrative watchdog” piece).

Journalism is to be planned across platforms, with a particular emphasis on key referral sources (social media shares, SEO based on searcher intent, push alerts and newsletters) and on the possibilities of visual storytelling including video and data visualization. This editor recognizes that 36 hours or more should be built in between the time a reporter turns in an enterprise story and when it sees the light of day online.

The regional enterprise editor delivers constructive feedback to front-line journalists in order to drive progress, staff development and innovation. They consult regularly with the Content Strategy Analyst to gauge which stories are most successful in attracting audience and digital subscriptions and to brainstorm future coverage that matters most to our audiences.

An important aspect of leadership in this role is to incorporate principles of diversity and inclusion into story development conversations to ensure our work helps expand our local audiences and serves to repair relationships and build trust with members of historically marginalized communities.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five years’ experience writing or overseeing features or enterprise reporting.
• Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.
• Good time management and organizational skills.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

• Well versed in spelling, grammar and AP Style.
• Experience with social media, including Instagram Stories, as a tool to build audience and as a source for story development.
• Exceptional core journalism skills (news judgment, producing, editing).
• A journalist committed to values of fairness, diversity, inclusion and professionalism.
• Deep understanding of and curiosity about competition for our customers' time and money.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
• Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Knows how to use time effectively in an always-on workday.
• Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
• Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training.
• Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.
• A self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others locally and regionally to meet common goals.
• Experience with and interest in multimedia, including video and podcasting.
• Use of Microsoft Office programs.
  
  

How to Apply:

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