Managing Editor of Content Development and Audience Growth, Chron

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Managing Editor of Content Development and Audience Growth, Chron 🔹 Company: HNP Houston Chronicle 🔹 Location: Houston, Texas, United States 🔹 Job Type: Full time, Hybrid 🔹 Category: Newspaper Publishing 🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years 🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid) 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Overseeing daily coverage across multiple channels to engage Houston audiences - Developing content strategies and initiatives that drive audience growth - Collaborating with editors and providing regular feedback to staff - Ensuring high editorial standards and maintaining an editorial calendar - Occasionally writing and editing both features and news stories ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of Houston's culture and trends, as well as a digital-first mindset to drive audience growth in a competitive media landscape. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Oversee daily coverage across all verticals, ensuring content is compelling and reflects sound reporting, creativity, and a distinctive voice ✅ Develop processes to support a digital-first newsroom, including content calendars, promotional plans, trainings, and more ✅ Serve as an expert on current trends, issues, and topics affecting Houston, and regularly share insights with the newsroom to guide decision-making ✅ Lead newsroom meetings, provide regular feedback to staff, and collaborate closely with the Executive Editor ✅ Plan and maintain an editorial calendar, staff onboarding, trainings, budgets, and other administrative processes ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on editing, and team leadership, requiring a versatile and adaptable candidate. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience in writing, editing, and managing teams in digital media or publishing Required Skills: - Proven reporting, writing, and editing skills - Excellent news judgment and understanding of media ethics and AP Style - Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to make editorial decisions - Experience managing or mentoring other writers - Facility with content management systems, analytics tools, social media platforms, and other publishing tools Preferred Skills: - Experience in, and understanding of, Texas - Familiarity with the Houston Chronicle and its audience ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a deep understanding of Houston and its culture will be better equipped to engage local audiences and drive content strategies that resonate. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Managing Editor role in Houston) Benefits: - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - 401(k) retirement plan with company match - Paid time off and holidays - Employee assistance program - Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week) ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Managing Editor role in Houston, considering the candidate's experience and the company's size. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Newspaper Publishing Company Size: 501-1,000 employees Founded: 1901 (as the Houston Chronicle) Company Description: - The Houston Chronicle is a digital-first local news source serving over 6 million unique readers monthly - Focuses on stories that capture local culture and spark conversation, covering sports, food, entertainment, real estate, space, and more - Became its own distinctive site and newsroom in 2012, when HoustonChronicle.com launched Company Specialties: Local news, digital media, audience growth, content development Company Website: Chron.com ASSUMPTION: The Houston Chronicle is a well-established news source with a strong digital presence, offering applicants a unique opportunity to grow their career in a dynamic and evolving media landscape. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Senior-level management position Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Editor Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week) Growth Opportunities: - Potential to shape the newsroom's coverage and drive audience growth strategies - Opportunities for professional development and mentorship within the organization - Exposure to various aspects of newsroom management and digital media ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, hands-on editing, and team leadership, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (onsite and remote work arrangement) Office Location(s): 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77027, US Geographic Context: - Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States, with a diverse and vibrant culture - The city is known for its strong job market, with opportunities in various industries, including energy, healthcare, and technology - Houston offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other major US cities, with affordable housing options and no state income tax Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement ASSUMPTION: Houston's diverse culture and strong job market make it an attractive location for professionals seeking growth and development opportunities in the media industry. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application and resume submission 2. Phone or video screening with the Hiring Manager 3. In-person or virtual interview with the Executive Editor and other newsroom leaders 4. Final interview with the Vice President of Content Key Assessment Areas: - Writing and editing skills - News judgment and understanding of AP Style - Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making - Leadership and management abilities - Understanding of Houston's culture and trends Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role - Showcase your understanding of Houston's culture and trends in your application materials - Prepare examples of your writing and editing work that demonstrate your ability to engage audiences and drive content strategies ATS Keywords: Houston, Texas, Managing Editor, Content Development, Audience Growth, Digital Media, Newspaper Publishing, Writing, Editing, News Judgment, AP Style, Analytics, Data-driven Decision Making, Leadership, Management ASSUMPTION: Applicants should emphasize their relevant experience and skills, as well as their understanding of Houston's culture and trends, to increase their chances of success in the application process. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) - Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Trends) - Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) - Publishing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in our reporting and business practices - Accuracy: Committing to fact-based journalism and ensuring the credibility of our content - Independence: Maintaining editorial independence and avoiding conflicts of interest - Diversity: Fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve - Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to storytelling and audience engagement Work Style: - Collaborative: Working closely with newsroom leaders and editors to develop content strategies and initiatives - Data-driven: Using analytics and audience data to inform editorial decisions and drive growth - Adaptable: Embracing change and responding to evolving trends in digital media and audience behavior - Results-oriented: Focusing on metrics and key performance indicators to measure success and drive improvement Self-Assessment Questions: - How do you align with the Houston Chronicle's core values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles? - How comfortable are you working in a hybrid newsroom environment, collaborating with both on-site and remote team members? - How do your personal work styles and preferences fit with the Chronicle's collaborative, data-driven, and adaptable work culture? ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career at the Houston Chronicle. ⚠️ Potential Challenges - Balancing the demands of overseeing daily coverage with strategic planning and content development - Adapting to the evolving media landscape and changing audience preferences - Managing a team of editors with diverse skills and backgrounds, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment - Maintaining high editorial standards while driving audience growth and engagement ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced newsroom environment. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison - Managing Editor, Texas Monthly: Focuses on long-form journalism and in-depth storytelling, with a more narrow editorial scope compared to the Houston Chronicle - Managing Editor, The Texas Tribune: Emphasizes non-profit journalism and political coverage, with a digital-first approach similar to the Chronicle - Managing Editor, CultureMap Houston: Covers local arts, entertainment, and lifestyle topics, with a more targeted focus on Houston's cultural scene compared to the Chronicle's broader coverage ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of each role and how they align with their career goals and personal interests. 📝 Sample Projects - Developing a content strategy to drive audience growth for a new vertical (e.g., real estate, food, or sports) - Launching a special content initiative or series to engage Houston audiences and drive traffic to the website - Collaborating with other newsroom leaders to create a training program or workshop to enhance editorial skills and knowledge ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare examples of their work that demonstrate their ability to develop and execute content strategies, as well as their understanding of Houston's culture and trends. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview - How does this role fit into the overall vision and strategy for the Houston Chronicle's digital growth? - What are the key priorities for the Managing Editor in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured? - How does the Chronicle support the professional development and growth of its editorial team members? - What are the most significant challenges facing the newsroom, and how can this role help address them? - How does the Chronicle foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and what steps are taken to ensure diversity and equity in the newsroom? ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the newsroom's priorities and challenges. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: - Submit your application through this link - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role - Prepare examples of your writing and editing work that demonstrate your ability to engage audiences and drive content strategies - Follow up with the Hiring Manager after submitting your application to express your interest in the role ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.