Deputy Managing Editor

Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco

Pay Information

$129,776 - $162,220 Annually

A Deputy Managing Editor at KQED’s primary responsibility is to direct strategy and management of senior editors and reporters on beats across the newsroom, as well as to generate story ideas and execute edits with members of the newsroom. A deputy managing editor at KQED works closely with managing editors to set editorial priorities on coverage across our platforms. A deputy managing editor assists managing editors in shaping coverage, and often manages and directs editors, reporters and producers throughout the newsroom.

Deputy managing editors work closely with managing editors to work as part of our newsroom leadership to take our editorial priorities and help decide how to greenlight stories and projects with those guiding principles in mind.

Deputy managing editors also provide direction, editing and help to other senior editors as needed, but work as a strong and empathetic leader and manager to senior editors as well.

California Newsroom Editor Addendum

The California Newsroom, a collaboration of public radio and nonprofit news outlets in the state spearheaded by KQED, is seeking a deputy managing editor to lead statewide content planning and coordination.

This position requires a journalist who is skilled in leading collaborations and partnerships across multiple newsrooms. We are seeking an empathetic and human-centered manager who works well with people at all levels of experience, from early-career reporters to seasoned editors. The deputy managing editor will also be a key editorial strategist, working closely with news directors, reporters and editors from multiple outlets to serve the needs of all the partner newsrooms, from major outlets in large markets to smaller stations with limited resources and personnel.

This editor will work in collaboration with journalists spread across 14 public radio stations and other partners such as the nonprofit news organization CalMatters to ensure coverage of significant issues, assigning and editing daily news and in-depth features and projects. The editor will also be responsible for coordinating California coverage for a national audience in partnership with NPR.

This editor will work closely with the California Newsroom Managing Editor to ensure that content production aligns with larger strategic goals. The Deputy Managing Editor will step in to run the entire California Newsroom operation in the absence of the Managing Editor, so we’re seeking candidates with both impeccable news judgment and advanced managerial skills. This is a remote position, but the editor must reside in California. The Deputy Managing Editor will manage from 1-4 journalists.

KQED envisions a public media organization with a culture that centers on human dignity, equity, and belonging. We value the contributions of marginalized people in society, including Black, Indigenous, and all people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people, and we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. We strongly encourage members of these communities to apply.

KQED Code of Ethics: https://www.kqed.org/about/code-ethics

The mission that drives us:

KQED provides citizens of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates with newsroom leaders throughout California on daily news coverage, major breaking news and long-term joint projects.
• Maintains a running database of assignments and planning.
• Oversees California Newsroom employees assigned to content production and planning.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Occasionally fills in for other colleagues.
• Represents KQED at events.

Knowledge/Experience Required:

• At least five years of experience in a similar role in a newsroom or news environment.
• Interest and knowledge in California news.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills; clear communication with colleagues.
• Excellent news judgment.
• Thorough command of journalistic principles, ethics and standards.
• Ability to meet deadlines and goals while working under pressure.
• Proven collaboration skills, which are essential in working with fellow KQED staffers across departments and with partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to stay focused, organized, communicative and proactive while working with a number of journalists and staffers across the organization and dealing with several different editors.
• Ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects at once.

Knowledge/Experience Desired:

• Non-English language skills (fluency in Spanish, Mandarin or other widely spoken languages in California).
• Previous work as a newsroom manager.
• Proven capacity to identify opportunities for stories of high relevance to audiences.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of this organization.