The Sacramento Bee is seeking a deputy politics editor to help lead McClatchy’s California Capitol Bureau — a dogged team of creative and enterprising journalists covering politics in the country’s largest state and world’s fifth-largest economy. 

We’re looking for a player-coach with politics experience — who can assign, edit and report political news. The deputy politics editor will help guide our political reporters in Sacramento and D.C., while also contributing to our Capitol coverage with original reporting. This requires a passion for delivering first-and-best coverage of the Capitol, from the state Legislature, to the Newsom administration, to state and federal elections.

The biggest challenges confronting California today come through the Capitol: housing, climate change, inequality, criminal justice, racism, LGBTQ rights. Given California’s position as a national bastion of liberal politics, the impact of the state’s policies — and how Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders fight to protect them — will only grow with the new Trump administration. We need a deputy politics editor who can shape coverage that interprets these challenges and holds elected officials accountable for their decisions.

What You’ll Do:

• Work closely with the California politics editor and a talented team of reporters to set coverage priorities and develop new strategies to deliver journalism to The Sacramento Bee’s audiences. 
• Ensure that the team delivers a strong mix of breaking news, hard-hitting accountability journalism and revelatory features on California politics and policies. 
• Coach reporters on skills such as source development, audience-first journalism and investigative reporting.
• Edit a range of stories, from breaking news to deep enterprise to newsletters. 
• Contribute original reporting that is high on impact and interest.

What You'll Need:

• Experience working with a team of ambitious reporters, and a demonstrated commitment to both breaking news and enterprise. 
• Strong management and organizational skills, with a hands-on approach to editing.
• Excellent reporting, writing and sourcing skills.
• Experience with public records requests. 
• Comfort with a job that will be demanding, fast-paced and constantly evolving.
• Meticulous news judgment; a commitment to nonpartisan, ethical reporting.
• Knowledge of California politics, legislative procedures and experience with campaign coverage.
• At least five years of editing or reporting experience.

The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $80,000 and $95,000. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience and relevant education.

To apply, please include a cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

What We’ll Bring:

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on well-being and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends. 

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.  

About McClatchy: 

Our impact is growing every day. We have 30 growing news markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of an exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth — a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.

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