Deputy Managing Editor, Capitol Bureau

About the role

The Times Union is seeking a bold, innovative deputy managing editor to lead its award-winning statehouse team as it engages audiences trying to understand the inner workings and impacts of New York government operations and politics. This player-coach position demands initiative, accuracy and insight. The ideal candidate has solid news judgment and a strong understanding of the personalities and policies driving the news.

This deputy managing editor will lead a team of reporters covering the three branches of state power, campaign finance, the public-sector workforce, and the political folkways of the state’s capital city. The role also oversees the weekday production of the Capitol Confidential newsletter, a separate subscription product offering a granular, insider take on statehouse news. This position requires living in the Albany area of upstate New York and is hybrid/onsite.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with editors, reporters, photographers, and audience team members to tell impactful stories across platforms that engage regional subscribers and a statewide audience;
• Work quickly to break news online while helping the team produce agenda-setting enterprise and watchdog work;
• Manage the team while making time for your own bylines;
• Model and encourage responsible use of AI tools to assist and enhance human-crafted journalism;
• Analyze web and social metrics to inform coverage decisions and content promotion.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience editing, reporting, and writing on government and politics in a competitive environment;
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or real-world equivalent with a record demonstrating suitable preparation;
• Excellent news judgment and understanding of media ethics and law.

Skills

• Understanding of how news stories unfold across platforms;
• Strong news judgment and ability to lucidly explain the often byzantine workings of state government;
• Ability to make real-time coverage decisions in a daily news environment;
• Passion for journalism that upholds truth and accountability and informs the public;
• Crisp, concise writing skills and diligent reporting with an understanding of AP style.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $95,000 to $110,000 depending on experience.

About Us

The Times Union is investing in its statehouse coverage. This role provides a unique opportunity for a journalist to expand that reach while remaining rooted in a state capital city and the surrounding region. The Times Union is committed to growing and retaining a more diverse workforce that better reflects the communities it serves. Strong candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups in media—including women, people of color, applicants with disabilities, those from the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans—are encouraged to apply. Some great candidates may not check all the boxes; if you’re passionate and dedicated, please still reach out.