Public Safety Coverage Editor

Public Safety Coverage

The Oregonian/OregonLive seeks an experienced editor to shape our Public Safety coverage, emphasizing high-impact accountability journalism and narrative storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Set the tone for fast, accurate, iterative coverage while directing resources toward some of the newsroom's most ambitious reporting.
• Steer enterprise and accountability: Coach reporters and editors to identify the stories that merit deeper digging and help them deliver long-term work with clear lines of effort and smart pacing.
• Elevate the journalism: Provide sharp editing that helps reporters' work shine and makes readers pay attention.
• Manage and develop people: Coach individual reporters (from new to veteran) to draw out their best work; provide direct feedback that improves reporting, writing, sourcing and story framing. Partner with the supervisors who report to you and help them become stronger managers.
• Promote experimentation: Encourage smart risk-taking in story forms, workflows and how we convey information to readers — including responsible, effective use of AI and emerging tools to improve our journalism and speed.
• Raise the bar on public safety coverage: Ensure our journalism reflects high standards, strong verification and a public-service mindset — especially in moments that matter most to readers.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of professional newsroom experience, with 3 years leadership experience supervising or leading others.
• Prior management experience with a track record of coaching journalists to do their best work.
• Demonstrated ability to edit both long-term enterprise and iterative breaking news — and to switch gears quickly.
• Strong news judgment and a clear sense for stories: what matters now, what will matter next, and what deserves more attention.
• Calm, confident leadership in fast-moving situations; high standards for accuracy, fairness and urgency.
• A strong understanding of public records law and data — and how they can elevate both breaking and enterprise coverage.
• Comfort experimenting with new tools and formats, including thoughtful use of AI and other emerging technologies.
• Experience managing other managers is a plus.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of public safety issues and the ability to guide investigative and narrative reporting.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor a diverse team of journalists.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate with reporters, editors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of journalistic ethics and standards.

Skills

• Strong editorial skills, including fact-checking, copyediting, and proofreading.
• Experience with multimedia storytelling and digital platforms.
• Proficiency in public records research and data analysis.
• Understanding of emerging technologies and their potential impact on journalism.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience.

Pay

$75,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time.