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ICT, formerly Indian Country Today, seeks a National Editor and Coach to help us build something new — a reimagined network of regional bureaus that covers the Indigenous world and gives aspiring journalists the chance to work alongside us. Funded by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, this position has a dual mission. First, the senior-level editor must thrive on shaping our daily journalism from story conception to approach, to editing, to distribution and promotion for maximum audience reach. Second, this editor must also be an experienced leader with a strategic mindset and planning skills to help us build a national internship program. This role combines superb journalistic skills with passions for covering the Indigenous world and mentoring the next generation of Indigenous journalists. Your laboratory will be in places like Alaska, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and soon-to-be created bureaus across Native America.

Job Title: National Editor and Coach 
Immediate Supervisor: Editor 
Location: Negotiable 
Position Type: Full-time
Salary: $80,000 annually
Department: Digital
FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY
The National Editor serves a dual role as a strong editor and a seasoned coach. This editor has a role in ICT’s plan to expand its bureaus nationwide and would help shape a national internship program, including hiring interns to report from the bureaus. The National Editor would help edit stories from the bureaus in addition to helping the digital news desk edit breaking news and enterprise stories. Demonstrates creativity in helping teams find resonant stories. Has a history of executing at a high level. Has excellent news judgment and passion as a leader for bringing out the best in people, especially aspiring reporters looking for their first big story. Is a strong collaborator who works well across the organization and advocates for multimedia approaches.

DUTIES

• Gather ideas and contribute to discussions about bureau expansion and lead conversations about how to build a national internship program that includes hiring and mentoring interns at the bureaus.
• Lead storytelling and enterprise efforts from the bureaus and help oversee shared reporters.
• Edit and assign a range of stories or projects, which includes spot, breaking, enterprise, evergreen, investigative, and other types of news stories.
• Collaborate with the other editors to present great content in the best possible ways across ICT’s media platforms.
• Act as an advocate for ambitious journalism and coach interns in how to pursue a great story from start to finish.
• Lead direct reports through every phase of coverage and planning, from ensuring a deep stable of compelling ideas to making sure their work meets high standards for accuracy and fairness.
• Manage teams in each bureau to produce short-, medium- and long-term work.
• Push for experimental, innovative storytelling techniques and presentations.
• Assist in running workshops to train reporters and editors in storytelling techniques to produce high-quality journalism.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including empathy (toward readers, viewers, and staff) and an excellent ear for tone.
• Comfort with a job that will be demanding, fast-paced, and constantly evolving.
• Ability to develop and implement growth strategies in terms of bureau expansion.
• Ability to manage budgets, assist in hiring bureau staff, evaluate performance and productivity.

REQUIREMENTS

• College degree in journalism or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of experience as an editor.
• Strong news judgment and editing skills.
• Ability to coach and help young or aspiring journalists to succeed.
• Comfort in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Command of media ethics and the principles of ethical conduct.
• Experience with advanced storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
• Familiarity with use of metrics, social media and SEO.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure.
• Advanced experience in journalism, line editing and idea generation.
• Advanced ability to follow and shape stories at all stages of development.
• Strong people management skills.
• Strong collaborative skills.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Requires a valid driver’s license.

IndiJ Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, color, age, physical or mental disability, spousal affiliation, marital status, a serious medical condition, genetic information, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

To request a disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at careers@ictnews.org. We will provide reasonable accommodation consistent with applicable law.

HOW TO APPLY
Please fill out the Application Form here: IndiJ Public Media Application. Write “National Editor/Coach” in for the position title. 

In a PDF or Word document, include answers to these questions:

1. What is the most important issue facing tribal communities in your region and what approach would you take to cover that issue if you became ICT’s national editor? 
2. How important is it to you that young journalists be mentored? In your answer, please cite your best example of when you coached or mentored a reporter.
3. Describe your editing and management styles. In your description, please expound on what excites you about editing and managing people. Attach the document to the cover letter or resume section of the application. 

We use resumes primarily as a summary and will focus our attention on responses to our questions. 

Application deadline: Open until filled. Desired start date: September 2023.

View full job description here.