LA Times seeks a senior editor for business

The Los Angeles Times is looking for a senior editor to help shape its ambitious and authoritative coverage of L.A.’s most important industry: entertainment. This editor will be responsible for collaborating with our award-winning Hollywood Inc. team of reporters and editors to develop and execute smart, sharply framed stories — breaking news, scoops, profiles, trend pieces, features and enterprise — on all aspects of Hollywood during a period of rapid transformation.

We are looking for a skilled manager and editor with a vision for creative, high-impact coverage on all platforms and an ability to inspire colleagues to do ambitious, audacious work. The ideal candidate has the ability to make Business stories appeal not only to traditional readers of business journalism, but also beyond.

This editor will frame stories on the business of Hollywood around the central questions people are asking, the things they wish they knew or understood, or the things they didn’t even realize they were curious about. Audience-oriented decision-making is a must, as this editor will need to make tough choices about what stories are worth the time and focus of staff, and what can be covered with wire and third-party partners.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor local, national and global entertainment and media news to ensure The Times is part of, or ahead of, the conversation

• Assign and edit stories, packages, newsletters and recurring features, with smart and distinctive takes that stand out in a highly competitive environment

• Ensure that reporting is fair, accurate, high quality and meets the ethical standards and style of the publication

• Cultivate sources and contacts at entertainment companies (film, television, music, gaming, podcasting, new media and more) and PR agencies to aid in the execution of a range of stories

• Help manage staff, providing continual feedback to employees on their performance, to develop talent and push the department to do better

• Work with Business editing team to set a strategic course for the department that prioritizes digital development, grows audience and digital subscriptions, and fulfills current company goals

• Apply creativity to story generation, presentation and medium to reach audiences and grow new ones

• Collaborate with newsroom staff, including photo, design and copy desks, to produce stories on all platforms

• Ensure that the department meets digital and print production deadlines and maintains ideal story flow

• Adhere to the company’s editorial ethics policies and guidelines and other company policies regarding employee conduct, including where applicable the collective bargaining agreement

• Undertake the responsibilities of the role using the tools, software or technologies required at the time

• Help recruit and hire new staffers

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• A minimum of 10 years of journalism experience; previous management experience in business journalism is a plus

• Deep interest in and knowledge of the entertainment business landscape

• Smart ideas about how the Los Angeles Times should approach this beat

• A track record of exemplary journalism

• Expertise and interest in business and economics

• Knowledge and commitment to the company’s mission and strategy

• Ability to foster excellent communication inside the team and across the newsroom

This is a management role. Ideally, the candidate will be based in El Segundo, Calif., although hybrid work arrangements in other locations will be considered. Occasional night and weekend work is expected.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio to Business Editor Richard Verrier at the apply link.

To apply, go here.