Portland Press Herald | Maine Trust for Local News

Lead ambitious journalism. Develop great reporters. Make an impact.

The Portland Press Herald, part of the Maine Trust for Local News, is looking for an outstanding, accomplished News Editor to join our team and help lead some of the most ambitious journalism in Maine.

We’re a high-performing news organization with talented journalists, high standards and a commitment to journalism that matters. We’re looking for an editor who can help us grow our audience, strengthen our newsroom and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Our journalism spans the full range — breaking news, compelling narratives, accountability reporting, data-driven journalism and engaging digital interactives. We want an editor who is energized by that variety and knows how to turn strong ideas into journalism that people will read, watch, share and remember.

What you’ll do

As News Editor, you’ll supervise five to six reporters and work closely with assignment editors, digital editors and visual journalists to shape coverage across platforms.

You’ll be involved from the earliest stages of a story, helping reporters develop ideas and sharpen their reporting, through publication and follow-up. You’ll also help set priorities in a fast-moving newsroom where no two days are alike.

You will:

• Work closely with reporters as stories are conceived, reported and developed.
• Help reporters turn promising ideas into ambitious, impactful journalism.
• Edit a wide range of work, from major enterprise projects and accountability stories to daily coverage and breaking news.
• Identify opportunities for follow-up, deeper reporting and original enterprise.
• Ask tough, thoughtful questions and push stories forward.
• Work collaboratively with assignment editors, digital teams, photographers, visual journalists and other newsroom colleagues.
• Think visually and identify opportunities for multimedia, interactives, graphics and other innovative storytelling.
• Stay closely attuned to what other news organizations are covering and look for opportunities to distinguish our journalism.
• Work with a strong sense of urgency while maintaining high editorial standards.
• Provide regular, constructive feedback and coaching to reporters.
• Help develop the next generation of newsroom talent.

What we’re looking for

The right candidate is an experienced journalist and editor who is curious, collaborative and relentlessly focused on finding the next great story.

You see story ideas everywhere. You’re comfortable asking lots of questions. You know when a story needs to be pushed further — and you know how to help a reporter get there.

You’re equally comfortable thinking about tomorrow’s breaking news and next month’s major enterprise project. You understand that great journalism requires both urgency and patience, and you know how to balance the two.

Most importantly, you care deeply about journalism and the communities it serves.

Requirements:

• At least five years of daily news experience.
• Significant editing and newsroom leadership experience.
• A strong understanding of digital journalism and audience engagement.
• Excellent news judgment and editing skills.
• A collaborative approach to working with reporters and colleagues.
• A demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced newsroom.

Why join us?

If you’re at your best when you’re helping journalists do their best work, this is an opportunity to make a real difference.

The Maine Trust for Local News is the largest news organization in Maine, with four daily newspapers, including the Portland Press Herald. We are owned by the National Trust for Local News, a national nonprofit dedicated to conserving, transforming and sustaining local news organizations.

You’ll work alongside talented journalists in one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Our offices are based in South Portland, with easy access to the Greater Portland area and everything the region has to offer.

If you’re an accomplished editor who wants to help shape ambitious journalism, develop talented reporters and serve Maine readers, we’d like to hear from you.