Asst Managing Editor for Local News

Assistant Managing Editor For Local News

The Sacramento Bee seeks a proven newsroom leader to help us grow our local news coverage, serve our existing subscribers and add new ones by shepherding timely, trusted and innovative journalism in one of America’s most dynamic and diverse cities, the capital of California.

The Assistant Managing Editor for Local News will work closely with the Assistant Managing Editor for Politics and Investigations to ensure our teams produce the best quickdraw, enterprise, accountability and investigative journalism in the country. This role oversees editors who run a robust breaking‑news desk, along with coverage of crime, courts, transportation, Sacramento’s nationally acclaimed food‑and‑dining scene, the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, MLB’s A’s, and high school and college sports. You will also directly supervise reporters covering Sacramento’s business community, City Hall, county government and local schools.

At The Bee, we’re following reader data – giving subscribers the news they demand – while also maintaining our sense of mission, knowing that our work is vital to the betterment of our communities and state. Within the past two months, our reporting has unearthed unheeded warning signs that preceded a deadly explosion that leveled a fireworks warehouse, chronicled financial improprieties at a local public radio station and revealed a string of deaths happening inside local homeless shelters. We’ve also had a little fun, rolling out a series celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first Kings home game in Sacramento, tapping into our multimedia capabilities with videos, a Kings quiz and historical photos.

This editor will have a proven track record of leading teams that do this kind of reporting and much more, setting coverage priorities, streamlining workflows, nurturing talent and ensuring timely, accurate and engaging stories. Our journalism focuses on our local communities, and in that role we spotlight problems, highlight solutions and truly make a difference.

Responsibilities

Lead in a way that your teams understand frequent, consistent publishing builds habit in readers, who come to trust that we can deliver each day.

Shepherd journalists to meet audiences where they are, both geographically and technologically (think vertical video), and steer them to write about high‑impact topics that engage our subscribers and create new ones.

Empower staff to learn and employ audience‑focused approaches to journalism, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence and other automation to enhance and elevate our work, create supplemental content and build efficiencies.

Work across teams, communicating early and often with all newsroom stakeholders, especially in breaking‑news situations.

Play a key role in newsroom administration, overseeing the newsroom schedule under the direction of the managing editor and ensuring accountability and transparency in day‑to‑day operations.

Understand all facets of digital publishing, online metrics and reader engagement, using these tools to elevate projects and engagement.

Demonstrate speed, competitiveness and SEO savvy, including coaching team members on all of the above.

Qualifications

College degree or equivalent work experience.

A minimum 10 years’ experience in journalism or a related field, with at least three years of editing experience.

Strong writing skills, excellent news judgment and a demonstrated ability to “see the story” that is going to matter to readers.

A track record for innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI.

Leadership skills that bring the best out of our journalists alike, and have fun in the process.

A willingness to represent The Sacramento Bee in community events or live journalism initiatives.

A commitment to representing the diversity of our community in coverage and hiring.

Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $140,000 and $155,000 per year. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, department equity and relevant education.

How to Apply

Include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and links to (and, if applicable, descriptions of) four to six examples of outstanding journalism by you or your teams.

Benefits we’ll bring

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. Our benefits package is designed to support health, well‑being, wealth and daily life, and includes healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection, multiple no‑cost wellness resources, coverage for pets, a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off, corporate holidays and a variety of mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy’s benefit plan, visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

About the McClatchy Media Company

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of vibrant and trusted news, lifestyle and entertainment brands and a robust retail distribution network. Our iconic local news brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee have collectively earned a total of 57 Pulitzer prizes. Together, our brands reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month. The McClatchy Retail Network delivers to more than 56,000 retail locations weekly.

Job Details

Seniority level : Mid‑Senior level

Employment type : Full‑time

Job function : Marketing, Public Relations, Writing / Editing

Industry : Newspaper Publishing

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