2024 Elections Editor
The USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking a 2024 Elections Editor to supervise, coach and edit a cohort of election reporting fellows who will publish on USA TODAY.
The USA Today Network’s election fellowship program expands the coverage of the country’s largest news publisher at a critical time as we serve audiences with local, regional and national election journalism. We will have reporting fellows in 20 states across the country, and this editor will oversee some of those reporters, including journalists in Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska and Maine.
This editor will be responsible for assigning, copy editing and coaching local reporting fellows on their coverage of local elections and policies affecting citizens, businesses, the workforce and the country at large. Breaking news, getting scoops and meeting deadline will be a priority for this editor.
This is an opportunity to shape reporting that will translate national issues to local impact and raise local trends to a national audience.
The 2024 Elections Editor may also be tapped for general politics editing, supporting our voter guide initiative, and helping edit and optimize content for live events like debates and primaries.
This full-time position runs from Jan. 2, 2024, to Dec. 27, 2024, and will pay $35.25-$45.20 per hour. The start date can be flexible for the right candidate.
This is a remote position, and you can be based in any state except for Alaska and Hawaii. A willingness to work West Coast hours, at least sometimes, would be a plus. This role is benefits eligible, and fellows will be able to enroll in Gannett’s insurance, 401(k), and other benefit programs.
You will:
Assign and edit original reporting on statehouse and elections coverage.
Help reporters dig deeply into the election races and policy proposals that will have real impact on local citizens.
Place the audience as your top priority in story assignments.
Ensure stories meet USA Today Network standards and follow AP style.
Write headlines and optimize story files for maximum search audience.
Lead reporters’ work through digital and print publication workflows.
Contribute to network-wide brainstorms and projects, bringing your expertise to inform on the most important issues in 2024.
Approve time cards, paid time off and support fellows’ other managerial needs.
The right candidate:
Has a background in local reporting; government or politics experience is a plus.
Has proven experience in a digital news environment editing accurate, concise, and clean copy on deadline.
Has a robust understanding of what’s happening in election news and politics across the country to create conversation-starting journalism.
Brings versatility and a strong sense of urgency and has experience working in breaking news environments.
Is infinitely curious and always has a story idea ready to go.
Can manage their own time wisely and guide fellows in balancing short-turn stories with deeper investigations.
Enjoys collaborating with editors and writers across the network on breaking news and special packages.
Has the flexibility to work night and weekend shifts as needed.
Ensures our coverage includes a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and voices.
Upholds Gannett’s standards of journalistic rigor, accuracy, and fairness.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check.
Application Instructions:
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.