News Product/Audience Engagement Editor

At Lookout Local, our revival of local journalism starts by producing excellence every day, throughout the day, serving readers’ evolving needs with a wide range of meaningful and local/personal journalism, responsive to our diverse communities’ changing needs. The managing editor must be comfortable and enthusiastic about the wide range of content we will deliver, from investigative and accountability work, to best-in-class beat stories, breaking news and service journalism that answers readers’ questions.

As illustrated by a 2024 Pulitzer win, Lookout Local newsrooms focus on impactful stories and while being a primary news source, keeps our readers briefly updated on step-process governmental proceedings and other actions. We are high on explanatory, connect-the-dots reporting and pointed knowing writing. Whether in 500 or 2,500 words, we tell the readers what we know, well sourced and well told. We fit the formats to the content, using Q&As and Ask Lookouts, and other emerging formats – including video – in addition to narrative journalism.

As illustrated by a 2024 Pulitzer win, Lookout Local newsrooms focus on impactful stories and while being a primary news source, keeps our readers briefly updated on step-process governmental proceedings and other actions. We are high on explanatory, connect-the-dots reporting and pointed knowing writing. Whether in 500 or 2,500 words, we tell the readers what we know, well sourced and well told. We fit the formats to the content, using Q&As and Ask Lookouts, and other emerging formats – including video – in addition to narrative journalism.The News Product/Audience Engagement Editor is a hybrid role that blends traditional editorial management and leadership with product and audience development responsibilities for Lookout Eugene-Springfield. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced newsroom, has a passion for local news, and understands the power of digital tools and data to engage and grow an audience. You’ll oversee email newsletter products, help manage our CMS, and lead efforts to analyze and optimize audience engagement, while also helping to shape and launch new reader-focused products as a key member of our editorial leadership team. You’ll also be a key part of our team harnessing AI to better our products and community service.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Management:

Manage and improve existing digital products, including email newsletters, our iOS and Android apps, event calendar, and other distribution platforms ensuring they serve the audience effectively.
Drive the development and launch of new reader-focused products, such as neighborhood newsletters, special topical series, and digital guides, working with both our leadership team and our newsrooms.
Better workflows and playbooks for product usage, content optimization, and audience growth strategies that can be applied across the evolving Lookout network.
Stay on top of industry best practices, quickly innovating the best of them.

Editorial & Content Management:

Manage content uploading, scheduling and publishing stories in our CMS with a focus on SEO compelling visuals & creative storytelling formats that build and engage audiences.
Assist in editing daily news stories and headlines for grammar, style, clarity, and factual accuracy, ensuring adherence to AP and in-house guidelines.
Edit, curate, and send newsletters, while analyzing performance and experimenting with updates and new formats to increase open and click-through rates.

Audience Engagement & Analytics:

Drive content performance, optimizing tracking and analytics tools such as Google Analytics and Parse.ly, sharing insights to inform editorial and product decisions.
Improve take rates by conducting A/B testing for headlines, newsletter formats, and other audience-facing elements to optimize engagement.
Lead efforts to deepen audience understanding by interpreting reader behavior and preferences, and gathering continuous audience feedback.
Collaborate with correspondents and top editors to ensure content aligns with audience interests and engagement goals.

Collaboration & Leadership:

Act as the bridge between the editorial and business teams, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment on audience and revenue goals.
Represent the voice of the audience in editorial and product planning discussions.
Mentor and train staff on audience engagement tools, best practices, and emerging trends.

Qualifications:

5-7 years of experience in digital journalism, audience development, or product management in a newsroom setting.
Proficiency in analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Parse.ly) and content management systems (Newspack/WordPress preferred).
Experience managing and/or launching digital products, newsletters, or audience-focused initiatives.
Strong copy editing and writing skills, with a mastery of AP style.
Knowledge of SEO best practices and audience engagement strategies.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Experience with AI experimentation a plus
Bonus: Familiarity with email marketing platforms like ActiveCampaign and experience with A/B testing or user research.

The Managing Editor position is a full-time Lookout Local employee.

Application Process: Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@lookoutlocal.com and put Eugene, [Job Title] in the subject line.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Full-time benefits include highly competitive medical, dental, and optical benefits, and 401(k) with matching.

Good PTO allowances

Stock options in our growing company

An opportunity to make a significant impact on and contribute to the revival of local journalism.

A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Lookout Eugene-Springfield is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.