Mission Local, a prominent voice in San Francisco’s media scene, is embarking on an exciting phase of growth. The organization is currently seeking a senior editor to lead its newsroom and shape its editorial direction. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence local journalism and mentor a talented team of reporters.
The senior editor will play a pivotal role in expanding Mission Local’s coverage, with a particular focus on short-term investigative pieces that delve into the heart of neighborhood and citywide issues. The ideal candidate is expected to bring a blend of editorial expertisestrategic thinkingand a passion for nurturing young journalists.
Leading a Dynamic News Team
The senior editor will oversee a team of four to six reporters and internsguiding their news-gathering and reporting efforts. This role requires a strong manager who can work closely with early- and mid-career reporters, ensuring they meet deadlines and maintain high editorial standards. The editor will also act as a newsroom coordinatorplanning story schedules and taking charge during breaking news situations.
One of the key responsibilities will be turning breaking news into compelling investigative pieces. The ideal candidate should be thorough, innovative, and comfortable working under tight deadlines. Experience with data and visuals is a plus, as is the ability to restructure narratives and provide constructive feedback.
Expanding Mission Local’s Reach
Mission Local is currently a team of 18 and is expected to grow to 20 this year. The senior editor will be instrumental in this expansion, helping to direct daily operations and manage the editorial calendar. They will also lead special coverage projects, such as election planning and thematic storytelling experiments.
The role involves fostering a culture of feedback within the newsroom and participating in long-term strategic planning. The ideal candidate should have a strong track record in journalism, with at least five years of full-time experience in a newsroom setting. Familiarity with content management systemsparticularly WordPress, is also desirable.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
Mission Local offers a competitive salary range of $80K to $100Kalong with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes 15 days of vacationall federal holidays, and an additional week of vacation between Christmas and New Year’s. Health, dental, and vision coverage are also provided.
The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. Mission Local is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
To apply, interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to applications@ with the subject line ‘Senior Editor’. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team and make a significant impact on local journalism.
