Investigative Editor

 The San Francisco Chronicle has an opening for an ambitious and resourceful editor to lead investigations, narrative storytelling and special projects across the newsroom. The editor will supervise a team of long-term and quick-turn investigative journalists that has in the past two years won two IRE awards and a Sidney Award and has been a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. The editor will at times shepherd deeply reported stories from writers in other departments including metro, politics and sports, as well as writers from our editorial partners.

 We are looking for a strong, positive communicator who can help journalists come up with ideas, work with them at every step of the reporting and writing process, make creative decisions about how stories should be presented, and partner with photographers, artists, data reporters, designers and others to make stories captivate and resonate. At the same time, the investigative editor should be prepared to take a leading role in producing accountability stories and narratives during a major breaking story, such as a wildfire or an earthquake.

 A successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and work hard to develop talent in the newsroom. The person will embrace multimedia tools and be energized by the challenge of producing work, often on deadline, that is revealing, exclusive and prompts change. Investigative reporting, editing and project management skills are a must, as is a deep commitment to journalism that is fair and inclusive. 

What you will do: 

Generate high-impact ideas that lead to stories of consequence, both short-term investigations and longer-term, project-level journalism. Supervise, edit and professionally develop a team of investigative reporters, while building fruitful relationships with journalists across the newsroom. Work collaboratively with other teams across the newsroom, including digital, photo, data and design, while pitching ideas for special projects. Coordinate the long-term planning of the most in-depth stories, managing calendars, timelines and workflows. Take a leadership role in the newsroom in developing investigative reporting skills and tools. Ensure that resources used on high-impact reporting reflect the diversity of experiences and needs in the Bay Area.

What it will take to be successful: 

At least five years’ experience at a daily newspaper, magazine or web publication or the equivalent as an investigative reporter and/or editor. Demonstrated expertise in investigative reporting techniques, strong news judgment, creativity and meticulousness. Ability to edit long investigative and narrative pieces to make them more clear and compelling. Knowledge of multimedia storytelling, audience engagement and other strategies to broaden readership and deepen impact. Ability to collaborate with all newsroom teams and work in a fast-changing news environment.  

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in California. The reasonable estimate is between $125,000 and $145,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in San Francisco. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.

About the San Francisco Chronicle & SFGATE: 

The Chronicle is world-class journalism, San Francisco style. With name-brand voices and a keen editorial eye, The Chronicle is an authority that still surprises. It’s not afraid of being controversial or of doing things that haven’t been done. It’s bolder, brighter, and fearless. It’s news that is delivered to the discerning reader through multiple platforms.

SFGATE provides a 360-degree view of San Francisco, wildly reflective of right now. Provocative, energetic, and unapologetic, the Gate is in constant conversation with the world's most eclectic city.

Join our world-class team!

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