State Investigations Editor

Job Description

The Illinois Answers Project seeks a State Investigations Editor who will oversee projects with state-wide focus.

The Illinois Answers Project is a nonprofit investigative news outlet published by the Better Government Association. As a member of our Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom, you’ll shape the strategic vision for state coverage and edit investigative journalists diving into topics within Illinois Answers four key topic areas: criminal justice, government accountability, equity and economic opportunity and education.  

The ideal editor for this role will have some data analysis skills, strong news judgment and experience leading a team through high-impact investigations and enterprise. Your team will include three state investigative journalists and two others focused on other coverage areas.  

We want someone who can work with media partners and manage all aspects of the statewide program, including its budget and tracking story impact. This is a senior position in the newsroom that works directly with other editors to carry out our strategic vision. The position reports to the Editor-in-Chief.

Job Requirements

Minimum qualifications:

• At least 5 years of journalism experience editing investigations or substantial enterprise.
• A proven ability to generate investigative and enterprise stories that drive change.
• Experience editing reporters of various skills sets.
• Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills 
• A bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• A strong background in Illinois issues and news
• Experience editing Solutions Journalism stories or projects or an openness to learn.
• Interest in audience strategy

Location:  Illinois Answers is a hybrid newsroom (two to three in-office days per week) based in downtown Chicago. 

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