Assistant Breaking News Editor
The Kansas City Star is looking to hire an assistant breaking news editor with strong watchdog skills to join its award-winning news staff.
This job is perfect for someone seeking a leadership position. The editor will lead a team of reporters in daily coverage of breaking news — crime, fires, accidents and so on — and in regular quick-turn and occasional long-term watchdog journalism.
The position calls for a quick hand at editing breaking news online and organizing coverage of events on the ground with social media and video. Just as important, the editor will assign follow-up stories with accountability-focused reporting that scrutinizes the actions of public officials and institutions.
This editor will work to grow our digital audience through powerful journalism that directly connects with issues that resonate with our breaking news readers. Ensuring we frame stories with this audience in mind is critical, as is keeping a close eye on metrics to see what coverage resonates and which stories don’t, and using that information to make smart decisions.
Our team is committed to doing journalism that holds truth to power and gives voice to the voiceless. If that's the kind of work that motivates you, we'd love to discuss this opportunity.
Requirements:
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At least two years of experience as an editor or reporter, ideally covering breaking news.
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Bachelor's degree in journalism preferred.
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Solid news judgment and excellent journalism ethics
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An intuitive sense of what’s important and interesting to audiences on all platforms
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A deep curiosity and high energy
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The ability to edit quickly for accuracy and engagement on a wide variety of topics.
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A collaborative work ethic and the ability to communicate easily with colleagues
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An interest in telling stories using a variety of media, and an enthusiasm for learning new skills and technologies.
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Fluency in the science of readership and engagement, including an understanding of metrics/analytics and an understanding of SEO and other audience optimization tactics.
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Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism.
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Ability to work comfortably in a job that will be fast-paced, data-driven, shaped constantly by feedback and experimentation and always evolving.
- Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).