Assistant Editor, Fast Break Desk and Platforms (Temporary)
The Los Angeles Times has an opening for a temporary news editor to help operate our platforms in the early morning hours and begin planning daily news coverage.
We are looking for an experienced journalist with strong news judgment and the ability to collaborate with colleagues from across the newsroom and bring order to chaotic breaking news situations. Experience with programming news platforms, such as the home page and mobile applications, is expected. Skills in writing breaking news alerts, push alerts and social media posts are a major plus.
The position requires a 4 a.m. PST start. Weekend work is likely. This editor will work to ensure our platforms are poised for breaking news, highlight our best content and serve our readers during the AM hours. This includes brainstorming stories and helping identify the big narratives of the day. The editor reports into our Fast Break department but will work closely with the home page team.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the home page using excellent news judgment while prioritizing clarity, accuracy, legality and Times style
- Write headlines, decks, emails and push alerts that are clear and engaging
- Move quickly when responding to breaking news
- Be able not only to handle breaking news, but also to plan for news that is coming up
- Communicate clearly in verbal and written messages
- Be proficient in creating Instagram posts and share lines for other social media platforms
- Complete assigned and self-assigned tasks while meeting deadlines
- Troubleshoot problems to find solutions quickly
- Use metrics to understand and respond to readers’ needs and interests
- Develop breaking news plans
- Identify stories The Times should cover and the narratives we should focus on
- In some cases, contribute reporting, writing or editing to breaking stories
Requirements:
- At least 10 years of experience writing and/or editing in a professional newsroom setting
- Experience working on a news media home page and within a content management system
- Passion about the news, curiosity about a wide range of topics and eagerness to learn new tools and skills
- Impeccable news judgment and knowledge of taste and legal considerations
- Ability to correct content according to rules of grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, style, standards and legality
- Capable of performing under pressure and making good decisions
- An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes positive collaboration
- Proficiency with Chartbeat, experience with Google Analytics or Adobe Omniture
- Versatility and adaptability, working not just across production platforms but also across shifting work responsibilities, subject areas and editorial departments
This full-time, temporary position is expected to last six months. Night, weekend and holiday work is expected. Qualified applicants should upload a resume and cover letter to Deputy Managing Editor Shelby Grad and Director of Newsroom Innovation and Planning Lora Victorio at the apply link.
The L.A. Times is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively work to create an inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. Explore our company history, achievement, values, mission and more on our career site.
The pay scale the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting is $48.76 to $60.61 and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. At the L.A. Times, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Please visit our career site to view the benefits available to our employees.
The Company is a mandatory vaccination employer for COVID-19 and its variants. The Company requires that its employees be fully vaccinated as of their start date. If you require a medical or religious accommodation, we will engage in the interactive process with you. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to start. If we make you an offer and you are not yet vaccinated, we will accommodate a delay in start date.
Other details
- Job Family Los Angeles Times Super Co.
- Job Function Individual Contributor
- Pay Type Hourly
- Min Hiring Rate $48.76
- Max Hiring Rate $60.61
- The Los Angeles Times, 2300 E. Imperial Hwy, El Segundo, California, United States of America