Lead Editor, AI Innovation in Journalism

Date Posted	April 05, 2024
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Other
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time

Description:

McClatchy, a digitally driven media company focused on innovation, seeks a dynamic and experienced Lead Editor to spearhead the integration and advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within our News operation. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to blend traditional journalistic integrity with leadership around cutting-edge AI tools, shaping the future of news reporting and AI-assisted journalism across McClatchy’s 30 markets.

A successful candidate has demonstrated success in journalism, leadership and innovation. We’re looking for an editor who can help us elevate our reporting and continue evolving as AI technology changes.

As the Lead Editor for AI Innovation in Journalism, you will head a small, dedicated team tasked with driving sustainable innovation around AI across McClatchy's newsrooms. Your role will focus on elevating and improving our journalism, and assisting our journalists, through the strategic implementation and development of AI tools. 

This includes: developing in-house solutions, creating innovative approaches to newsroom challenges, assisting journalists in AI tool usage, developing AI training programs within News and contributing to high-level AI strategy within the News Division.

This position is remote but will ideally be located near one of McClatchy’s 30 markets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a small, agile team focused on AI innovation within our journalism practices.
• Evaluate, test, and recommend cutting-edge AI journalism-focused tools and technologies to keep McClatchy at the forefront of AI-enhanced reporting.
• Develop AI solutions tailored to the unique needs and challenges of our newsrooms and our journalists. Work in partnership with newsrooms to identify and prioritize projects for maximum impact. Work in partnership with product/experience and technology teams on wider solutions.
• Craft and document innovative strategies to solve complex newsroom problems using AI technology.
• Provide hands-on support to journalists across our 30 newsrooms, facilitating the effective use of AI tools in their reporting and storytelling.
• Design and implement comprehensive AI training programs for our journalists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Play a key role in the development and execution of McClatchy’s overarching AI strategy within the News Division, ensuring alignment with our journalistic values and objectives.

Location: Flexible/Remote

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $90,000 and $110,000 a year. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, department equity, training, geography and local wage and hours laws. 

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Computer Science, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience in newsroom operations and a solid understanding of journalistic principles and ethics.
• Strong background in AI technologies and their application in a journalistic context, including past proficiency in executing AI or automation projects. Familiarity with one or more coding languages (R, Python, JavaScript etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, driving projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the capacity to create innovative solutions to journalistic challenges.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to train and support non-technical users in the adoption of new technologies.
• A visionary mindset, with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance journalistic quality and impact.
  
  What We’ll Bring:
  
   
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in integrating AI technology into the fabric of our journalism, impacting the way news is reported, produced, and consumed.
• A flexible, remote working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive company culture.

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends. 

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com. 

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant work samples/portfolio via our careers portal at McClatchy Careers. Your cover letter should explain why you're passionate about AI in journalism and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and requirements of this role.

About McClatchy:

Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 57 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger. 

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.