Indianapolis Public Editor

Are you a seasoned journalist with a passion for media ethics, transparency, and community engagement? Do you believe in the power of an informed public and the vital role local news plays in a thriving democracy? The Poynter Institute, a global leader in journalism education and advocacy, is seeking a dedicated and insightful Public Editor to serve the community of Indianapolis.

This is a unique, grant-funded 18-month pilot project designed to explore a critical question: Can a dedicated news liaison, loyal to the audience yet professionally connected to local newsrooms, enhance media literacy and improve the quality of journalism? 

As the Indianapolis Public Editor, you will:

• Be the voice of the audience: Act as a crucial bridge between local news consumers and the media, responding to their inquiries and fostering a new line of communication.
• Provide independent analysis: Conduct in-depth, independent analysis of the local media landscape, offering explanatory reporting that illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of the news ecosystem.
• Write an impactful weekly column: Produce a high-quality weekly column or newsletter that will be published by all participating Indianapolis newsrooms, reaching a broad audience.
• Engage the community: Partner with local social media influencers and participate in public events to build a wide audience, ensuring that critical discussions about local media reach beyond traditional spheres.
• Champion ethical journalism: With the guidance of Poynter’s experienced team, including Senior Vice President Kelly McBride (a seasoned Public Editor for ESPN and NPR), you'll defend good journalism while constructively highlighting areas for improvement.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a journalist with a strong reporting background and a deep understanding of journalistic principles. You should be adept at independent inquiry, a skilled writer who is competent at communicating complex ideas clearly, and passionate about serving the public interest.

Why This Role Matters:

In an evolving media landscape, the local Public Editor will fill a vital need, providing consumers with avenues to understand their news and helping newsrooms to better serve their communities. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the success of local journalism and shape the future of media transparency.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join us in this groundbreaking project funded by the Hearst Foundations and the Lumina Foundation. Collaborate with us to build trust, educate news consumers, and ensure robust, high-quality journalism thrives in Indianapolis.

OVERALL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Indianapolis Public Editor will play a pivotal role in serving as a news liaison loyal to the audience, while maintaining a professional relationship with the newsrooms that serve the community. This project aims to improve media literacy and the quality of journalism in Indianapolis. The successful candidate will respond to news consumers, conduct independent analysis, and offer explanatory reporting focused on the local media. This role requires a dynamic journalist with strong reporting skills and a commitment to fostering a better understanding of the local news ecosystem for the community.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Audience Engagement and Reporting

• Respond to news consumers' inquiries and comments.
• Conduct independent analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the local news ecosystem.
• Offer explanatory reporting focused on local media.
• Write a weekly column/newsletter to be published by all participating newsrooms.
• Partner with local social media influencers to build a wide audience of consumers who fall outside of traditional media spheres.
• Attend public events to raise awareness and gather initial audience questions.
• Seek information from all newsrooms in the market when appropriate, including those not participating in the project.

Collaboration and Relationship Management

• Collaborate with Poynter and Indianapolis newsroom partners on guidelines for addressing audience inquiries.
• Maintain a professional relationship with newsrooms serving the community.
• Work with Poynter staff familiar with Public Editor work for support and supervision, including column editing.
• Utilize reporting skills to serve the work, even if a newsroom refuses to answer questions.

Operational Management

• Adhere to a set of guidelines for sorting through audience inquiries, with final decisions made by the Public Editor.
• Ensure weekly columns are prepared for timely publication by participating newsrooms.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

• This position is a grant-funded, 18-month pilot project
• Residing in the Indianapolis, Indiana vicinity is a requirement for this position

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Proven experience as a reporter.
• Strong understanding of current trends and challenges in professional journalism.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong writer.
• Ability to conduct independent analysis and offer explanatory reporting.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in audience engagement and building relationships.
• Bachelor degree in journalism or a related field, or equivalent experience is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Duties are performed on a fully-remote capacity. Must be able to work under deadlines as required. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

SALARY RANGE

• $80,000 - $95,000 commensurate with experience

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and a resume to the following address: 

Indypejob@poynter.org

Apply today and help us write the next chapter for local news!