Charlotte Editor

 The Charlotte Editor must be an audience-obsessed leader who can dramatically accelerate the newsroom’s transformation, with a mandate to urgently, endlessly and fearlessly experiment with content and approaches that grow readership. 

This role requires a leader who thinks strategically like an executive editor and directs day-to-day operations like a managing editor. They must set and enforce clear performance expectations, hire and coach the staff and hold every team member accountable for results.

Our future depends upon breaking old paradigms and leveraging data and technology to build brand new organizations. This requires a leader who is comfortable making fast decisions, managing rapid change and owning outcomes. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises newsroom staff, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strong command of audience analytics and the discipline to act on what they reveal
• Clear, direct communicator — with staff, leadership and the community
• Collaborative by nature, competitive by instinct
• Comfortable with ambiguity and energized by fast-changing environments
• Outcomes-oriented, not task-oriented — you define success by results, not activity
• Enthusiastic about AI and emerging tools as a way to elevate journalism and free journalists to do more high-quality work

The market lead will be evaluated against clear, measurable content-related outcomes:

• Subscriber engagement and known user readership growth.
• Volume, quality and timeliness of distinctive, locally differentiated journalism that serves communities of interest.
• Newsroom performance on breaking news — speed, accuracy and engagement.
• A high-performing staff that understands and meets expectations.
• Progress on digital transition benchmarks, including using data and audience insight to redefine beats and coverage areas.
• Other duties as assigned by senior leadership.
• McClatchy Media’s Editorial leaders are expected to seek out and embrace the ethical use of artificial intelligence and other automation to enhance and elevate our work, create supplemental content and build efficiencies that free our journalists to focus on high-quality content production.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Strong command of audience analytics and the ability to act on data insights.
• Exceptional communication skills, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated leadership in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Collaborative and competitive mindset; comfortable with ambiguity.
• Outcomes-oriented, with a focus on measurable results.
• Enthusiasm for AI and emerging technologies in journalism.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and hold staff accountable.
• Strong grounding in journalism ethics, and an unwavering commitment to accurate and ethical journalism.
• Must have solid news judgment and a broad knowledge of headlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and team player skills.  Excellent communication and active listening skills.  
• Ability to interact professionally and build relationships and develop sources with a diverse array of people.
• Ability to work well, be professional and courteous with a variety of editors, staff at all levels, and the public.
• Proficient knowledge of technology, including content management systems and storytelling tools (i.e. Google Workspace, Digital Editing, Web Search, Databases, etc.).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include nights and weekends 
• Must be able to work remotely while contributing to a team environment
• Regular and reliable attendance.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited college or university preferred; ideally in Journalism, or the equivalent education, experience, skills and knowledge needed to perform the tasks and responsibilities of the position.   Significant newsroom leadership experience, preferably at a daily or regional news organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Primarily works in an office environment (may work remotely).  

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: 

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Proficiency in handling a fast-paced, deadline-driven role that requires accuracy and adeptness in meeting multiple deadlines.
• The ability to maintain focus on tasks, coupled with strong analytical skills and adeptness in managing shifting priorities. 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position most of the time, but also move about the workspace to access necessary equipment or supplies.  May occasionally move office supplies or equipment weighing up to 20 pounds across or away from workspace.
• Some processes may necessitate the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
• Proficient in effective verbal and written communication with colleagues, management, and external stakeholders, utilizing various mediums such as in-person interactions, email correspondence, written documents, telephone conversations, and video conferencing applications.
• Regularly utilizes a computer, often requiring prolonged periods of keyboarding and mouse usage.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required. May be required to work additional hours beyond the regular schedule, including non-traditional business hours.
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance meeting or exceeding the legally mandated minimum requirements.
• Travel, including by air, to various locations may be necessary.

PLEASE NOTE:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work required of this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or competencies.  As the needs of our company change, employees will need to be flexible in assuming new responsibilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.  An employment relationship with McClatchy Media or an affiliate is "at will" unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

To apply: Please submit a persuasive cover letter and resume.

#LI-RB1