Managing Editor

The Compass Managing Editor works closely with the Compass newsrooms to build community-centered editorial products and top-quality journalism.

This is a key leadership role for an editor who is comfortable working closely, if remotely, with Compass’s local newsrooms. This editor is an advocate for local teams to ensure they have the support, training and resources they need to serve their local communities. 

This person works hand-in-hand with local editors to determine the editorial strategy for their respective markets, and guides them through execution of that strategy. Expect to regularly get down in the weeds, acting as another editor to support local teams. This may include acting as local editor when there is an absence or vacation, or jumping in to update and edit on a local site during a big news event. 

As part of Compass’ central management team, this person will collaborate with local editors in directing the editorial product strategy for our local markets, which includes evaluating the efficacy of current news products and devising and executing plans for new ones. This role works closely with the leads on Business Operations and Growth to ensure we are reaching the right audiences and delivering value for sponsors, partners and readers.

Experience in local news strongly preferred. 

This role reports to the Compass General Manager. The successful applicant can be based anywhere within the United States. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Coach and collaborate with local editors to identify and produce compelling, mission-driven journalism.
• Act as an advocate for the needs of local editorial teams with vendors, partners, funders and higher management. 
• Build, articulate and reinforce standards for ethics, equity, journalistic excellence and professional conduct within the editorial team as well as our in community interactions and coverage.
• Use well-developed editing and writing skills and excellent news judgment to help editors identify the best stories to pursue.
• Work closely with local editors to develop editorial talent in each local market.
• Directly lead and support local teams in the absence of local editorial leadership
• Establish working relationships across McClatchy to ensure we’re collaborating where it makes sense for Compass’ mission. 
• Continually develop the editorial teams’ skills in digital news best practices.
• Use metrics tools to help guide the direction of our journalism, as well as the ways we get it in front of readers.
• Work in tandem with the Head of Business Operations and Head of Audience Growth to develop and evolve products and strategies that best serve our audience and diversify our revenue.
• Proactively identify and solve problems, innovate and adapt.
• Education and knowledge: Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of newsroom leadership experience preferred. A proven track record of hands-on editing, collaboration and innovation is required. 
• This role will require occasional travel to the local sites and McClatchy offices and meetings.