News Editor, The Stranger

The News Editor at The Stranger is tasked with not only overseeing the editorial direction of Seattle’s engaging news stories but also curating editorial packages for both digital and print formats. This role involves collaboration with editorial leadership to articulate a compelling vision for our coverage, which includes political developments, local issues, and cultural commentary. Additionally, the News Editor participates in the Stranger’s Election Control Board, contributing to thoughtful endorsements.

Candidates for the News Editor position at The Stranger should possess previous experience in news editing and management, along with a knack for envisioning innovative directions for city news. A strong writing style and organizational skills are paramount, as is the ability to lead a small team effectively. We value diverse perspectives, so even if you don’t meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply.

The News Editor position at The Stranger typically follows a Monday to Friday schedule, operating on a hybrid remote/in-person model. This flexibility allows you to balance the needs of news editing with your work-life commitments, facilitating creativity and productivity.

While prior experience in Seattle-focused journalism is advantageous, it is not strictly necessary for the News Editor role at The Stranger. What matters most is your ability to bring unique insights into the city's political landscape, your editorial skills, and your capacity to think outside the box when it comes to storytelling.

A News Editor at The Stranger can significantly impact the publication by steering the editorial voice and shaping the narrative around Seattle's stories. By encouraging diverse voices and fresh ideas for coverage, they will not only enhance the publication's credibility but also connect with the community more meaningfully, holding leaders accountable and promoting important local issues.

In response to this question, highlight your strategic planning skills and focus on both short and long-term goals. Discuss how to align editorial vision with community needs, and suggest innovative storytelling approaches that resonate with Seattle’s diverse audience.

To effectively answer this question, share your organizational techniques for time management. Discuss prioritization of tasks, collaboration with the team to streamline processes, and maintaining communication with contributors to ensure timely and quality content production.

Provide a specific example where your editorial discretion enhanced a story's impact or clarity. Explain the thought process behind your edits and how they ensured that the story met the publication's standards and goals.

In your answer, discuss the vital role of social media in audience engagement, story promotion, and real-time feedback. Explain how you would integrate social media strategies into the publication to amplify reach and connect with readers more effectively.

Emphasize your leadership style, focusing on encouragement and open communication. Talk about the importance of providing constructive feedback and fostering an environment where writers feel safe to express their ideas and take creative risks.

Describe your openness to innovative storytelling methods such as satire or multimedia content. Discuss your belief in pushing traditional boundaries to engage the audience while still providing factual information.

Focus on evaluating the impact, relevance, and accuracy of a story. Discuss the importance of audience engagement and feedback, ensuring the narrative resonates with the readers while meeting journalistic standards.

Share your passion for journalism, community engagement, and storytelling, illustrating why working for a publication like The Stranger aligns with your personal values and professional goals.

Highlight your methods for staying informed, such as following local news outlets, engaging with community events, and networking with local journalists. This will showcase your commitment to being a relevant and informed News Editor.

Reflect on The Stranger’s commitment to authentically representing community voices and holding power accountable. This perspective will show your understanding of the publication’s unique position within the Seattle media landscape.