FOIA Editor

About the role

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world, with independent journalism at the heart of everything the company does. This is reflected in a world‑renowned newsroom that reports from nearly 160 countries, a deep focus on how readers experience journalism across print, audio, digital, and app platforms, and a business strategy centered on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

The New York Times is looking for a FOIA editor to oversee and guide the strategy of using the Freedom of Information Act and other local, state, and federal public records laws to obtain information from governmental and public entities. In this role you will serve as a hub for the newsroom’s public records requests, providing resources and guidance to journalists across The Times to maximize the ability to obtain information in the public’s interest. You will consult with teams on effective tactics, working with reporters and editors at the inception of stories and projects to help integrate FOIA requests early in the process. You will also be responsible for developing story ideas and original coverage through the FOIA process, identifying opportunities to obtain public records that will generate news. You will experiment with new technology and formats and collaborate with data, visual, and product teams to tell stories that resonate with the audience. Additionally, you will help track and expedite public records requests by maintaining a centralized database of FOIA requests and appeals and work closely with the Legal department to identify efforts that merit litigation support. The position is based in New York with regular office attendance, and includes close collaboration with the Washington bureau and periodic visits there.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine FOIA requests in partnership with internal stakeholders for submission
• Serve as a consultant for teams as they design public records requests to bolster their reporting, with a priority on integrating such requests early into the process of developing stories
• Propose and drive story ideas based on FOIA requests and coordinate coverage across multiple desks
• Consult with desks to understand when and how to augment ongoing themes with FOIA requests
• Advise journalists across the newsroom about the most effective approaches to obtain information through public records laws
• Develop and maintain training materials and deliver training about what information can be obtained through the federal Freedom of Information Act and similar state and local statutes
• Coordinate, track and help expedite public records requests by maintaining a centralized database of FOIA requests and appeals
• Partner with the Legal department in identifying efforts to seek public information that merit litigation support
• Represent the Newsroom in partnership with Legal on FOIA matters
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world
• You will report to the enterprise OR news