The Palo Alto news editor is a skilled and experienced editor who leads a team of journalists in covering and publishing engaging news and information for readers in Palo Alto and the broader Peninsula region through our website (PaloAltoOnline.com), social media channels, newsletters and in print (Palo Alto Weekly).
The ideal editor has a passion for hyperlocal news and is dedicated to reporting on issues that matter to our community members. The editor pairs excellent journalistic judgment with content analytics to guide story selection, continuously seeking to understand what our residents and other city stakeholders care about and what they need to know to become more connected to their community.
The Palo Alto Weekly and PaloAltoOnline.com editor is a digitally savvy change agent who stays up-to-date on new ways to present news and information and on fresh approaches for engaging current and potential readers.
The editor leads a team of reporters, interns, freelance writers and freelance visual journalists, guiding them to produce journalism that is high-quality, meets editorial standards and is delivered on time.
The Palo Alto Weekly and PaloAltoOnline.com are part of Embarcadero Media, an independent multimedia publishing company with seven local news websites serving the San Francisco Peninsula and the Tri-Valley in the East Bay, three newspapers (Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac, and the Pleasanton Weekly), and The Six Fifty, a digital regional magazine covering life on the Peninsula in the 650 area code. The company was founded in 1979.
Responsibilities:
- Execute a strategy to cover a broad range of local news that’s relevant to the community, including breaking news, features, government accountability, enterprise and utility “news you can use.” Work with reporters to develop the most compelling story ideas and angles. Ensure that all articles and other content meet editorial standards for excellence, accuracy, ethics and tone. Produce a steady stream of articles to meet the editorial division’s goal of increasing loyalty among readers.
- Manage Palo Alto’s online presence, including website, social media and email newsletters using digital best practices. Produce Express every weekday, making sure each newsletter contains articles that appeal to a broad audience.
- Edit and proofread all articles, opinion columns and other content for accuracy, clarity and style.
- Curate the weekly edition of the Palo Alto Weekly.
- Set direction for the team and measure results. With the aid of our audience-engagement desk, use analytics and other data to track the performance of our news coverage and to make data-driven decisions about future assignments. Use SEO best practices to ensure the work of Palo Alto’s journalists is maximally discoverable across all platforms.
- In addition to traditional news sources — governmental meetings and reports, organizational press releases, emergency dispatch feeds — monitor social media, Town Square and other online sources to stay up-to-date on emerging news and trending topics in the community.
- Develop and increase Palo Alto’s readership. Prioritize listening to, engaging with and getting feedback from readers and potential readers. Respond to all inquiries and comments from the public in a timely and respectful manner. Participate in virtual and in-person events to spur audience development.
- Manage a team that includes reporters, interns and freelancers. Ensure that internal operational problems are solved quickly and collaboratively. Handle administrative tasks related to supervision, including monitoring of hours, approval of time off, approval of expenses, payment of freelancers, etc. Recruit freelance reporters and visual journalists with excellent news judgment and the proven skills to produce high-quality work.
- As the Peninsula’s regional news lead, identify opportunities for high-interest regional Peninsula coverage, chiefly focusing on finding unique local angles to national breaking news. Assign coverage to other Peninsula editors and reporters or handle assignments within the Palo Alto staff.
- Manage Palo Alto’s budget and resources, including assignments to freelance writers and photographers.
- Together with the other news editors, streamline content-sharing of hyperlocal but broadly interesting articles. Work collaboratively with other editorial staff and departments to ensure that the Palo Alto Weekly and comare contributing to the overall success of the department and company.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders in the community. Propose partnerships when possible to increase the reach of our work. Attend community events and meetings to stay informed about local issues and generate story ideas.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
- 5-8 years of experience in journalism, with a focus on news.
- Strong editing and writing skills, with a keen eye for detail and grammar.
- Passion for and knowledge of local news and a desire to serve the public through reader-oriented journalism.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team of editors, reporters and contributors.
- Knowledge of digital publishing software and content management systems.
- Understanding of analytics and SEO best practices.
- Knowledge of the Palo Alto community
- Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Inclusive communication skills.
Salary: The pay range for this position is $66K-$70K, depending on experience.
To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing how your experience fits the needs of the position. Also attach your resume, three articles you’ve written and links to two publications or sections you’ve edited. Email the materials, with “Palo Alto News Editor” in the subject line, to Editorial Director Jocelyn Dong at jdong(AT)paweekly.com. No phone calls, please.
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