Investigations Editor

The Seattle Times, one of the nation’s premier regional news sources for investigative journalism, is looking for an accomplished Investigations Editor to help lead our ambitious team. We pride ourselves on deeply reported, compellingly told and visually striking investigative and watchdog reporting that our readers can’t get anywhere else.

With 11 Pulitzer Prizes and a finalist citation this year for an investigative project, The Times has a proud legacy of accountability journalism. Our eight-person investigations team works closely with a broader newsroom of about 170, producing work that has exposed neglect and abuse at special-education schools, detailed failings of a program meant to rehabilitate sex offenders, and revealed shortcomings of a multibillion-dollar salmon recovery effort.

Our investigations editor should be an experienced journalist with finely tuned investigative skills and a deep commitment to local accountability reporting, who thrives in a collaborative atmosphere, applies an equity lens to our journalism and operates with unwavering integrity. You will work with the full investigations staff and newsroom leaders to develop  short-, mid- and long-range stories and projects, and to manage, edit and inspire a skilled, ambitious team. 

Candidates must have a proven track record of: 

• Producing investigations that scrutinize the actions of the powerful on behalf of the public, exposing injustice and prompting changes to public policy or legislation. 
• Balancing large-scope project management with a steady production of shorter-term watchdog stories. 
• Narrative editing. Working with reporters to produce compellingly written stories. 
• Using data and public records to identify stories and deepen their reporting. 
• Spotting stories that no one else has. 
• Effectively using the legal system to win access to information and safeguard the reporting and reputation of an organization. 
• Working collaboratively with digital, visual and other newsroom teams.
• Working with beat reporters across newsrooms to generate investigative ideas. 

Qualifications 

• Experience: At least five years of experience as an investigative reporter, with at least three years’ experience as an investigative editor. 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism or directly related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). 
• A strong belief in public service and in reflecting the humanity of story subjects. 
• A commitment to diversity in hiring and news coverage. 
• Direct experience producing investigative packages for multiple platforms.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills. 
• Ability to manage experienced reporters and help them grow. 
• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple projects. 
• A demonstrated grounding in FOIA law. 
• Experience working with the legal system, including working with lawyers, to gain access to information. 
• Experience training the newsroom in access and other legal issues. 
• Strong budget management. 
• Strong performance management skills.
• A strong background in using and understanding data. 
• Mastery of digital best practices, including the use of analytics to track readership/engagement and to inform story choices; SEO headline writing; A/B testing of headlines; and embracing/evangelizing new tools. 

Compensation: The full salary range for this position is $99,100 to $140,000.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and long-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Optional life and AD&D insurance and long-term care insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 10 days of annual vacation accrual, increasing with tenure up to 20 days
• 10 days of annual sick accrual; unused sick pay accrues to an extended illness bank
• 9 paid holidays
• Monthly internet stipend for predominately remote employees
• Subsidized transit cards and parking costs
• Complimentary Seattle Times subscription
• Wellness program
• Fertility coverage (with lifetime limits) for eligible employees
• Parental leave options

Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. We serve the Pacific Northwest with thoughtful, independent journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 1.9 million. At The Seattle Times, you'll find work that matters.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] and provide a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) needed.