Assigning Editor

The Mercury News and East Bay Times are seeking an experienced editor and team leader to guide coverage of the most critical issues confronting what is perhaps this country's most economically vibrant region.

Working with a team focused on housing, real estate, and the economy, this editor will oversee online and print content from a talented, high-performing group of reporters exploring the high cost of shelter and the widening gap between the rich and poor in an economy driven by the power of technology. Pandemic-induced remote work - which threatens Silicon Valley's renowned workplace culture but opens the possibility of working here while avoiding the area's high costs - is only the latest challenge hitting here in a way unlike perhaps anywhere else in the country.

The ideal candidate will have top-notch editing skills and the ability to think creatively about daily and enterprise coverage that illuminates the rewards and challenges of living and working in the Bay Area.

In an organization that is digital first but attentive to a print audience, you’ll need to understand how to monitor and attract a digital audience that’s used to getting what it wants immediately while simultaneously serving a print audience looking for context, depth and impact.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong news judgment

• Exceptional editing under deadline pressure

• Experienced multitasker who can solve urgent daily challenges without losing focus on mid to long-term goals

• A track record of delivering high-impact journalism that attracts and sustains an audience

• A commitment to teamwork and flexibility, coupled with strong critical thinking skills and a willingness to explore new approaches in storytelling

• At least five years of experience as a working journalist

Travel

• Local travel only 50%

Required Education

• 4-year college degree (journalism or related fields)

Required Experience

• Five years prior experience

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment and at the Company and client sites for business meetings and presentations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• This position may be a permanent remote role.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 30 pounds.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.