Education Editor

Description

Education Editor

The Houston Chronicle is seeking an experienced education editor to lead a team of reporters that produces top-notch breaking news and accountability reporting on K-12 and higher education in the Houston region. This editor will be responsible for assigning, editing and promoting stories from a five-person education team. Your leadership will ensure that the team maintains its successful track record in reaching and building audiences.

You’ll oversee day-to-day beat reporting on the controversial state takeover of Houston ISD — the largest school district in the state — and the surrounding suburban school districts in the Houston area. You’ll also manage coverage of the city’s local colleges and universities, including Rice University, University of Houston, Texas A&M University and Houston Community College, which each serve tens of thousands of students.

Key Responsibilities:

Shape and lead our coverage of K-12 and higher education news, with an eagerness to jump on breaking news and develop deeper enterprise and accountability stories.

Craft and edit coverage in a wide range of story formats (quick-hits, explainers, live blogs, data tools, long-form storytelling and more.)

Develop productive beat reporters who are focused on serving readers and subscribers, cultivating diverse sources, seeking insightful public records and delivering regular scoops.

Manage your direct reports by completing regular evaluations, offering constructive feedback and ensuring they feel valued and supported as members of the Houston Chronicle newsroom.

Review metrics to find insights that can shape our coverage and help us learn how best to serve our audiences.

Coordinate with the Chronicle’s reporters and editors overseeing reporting on public safety, local government and additional key coverage topics to ensure we produce comprehensive content that Houstonians can’t get anywhere else.

Work collaboratively with leaders of the Chronicle’s visuals, data and audience teams to bring stories to life and promote your team’s work in newsletters and on our social media platforms (Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram, etc.)

We’re looking for someone who:

Has 10+ years of editing or senior reporting experience, ideally with a background in education or local government reporting.. Knowledge of Houston education issues is strongly preferred, but not required.

Demonstrates strong news judgment and a deep understanding of how education connects to equity, politics, and economic mobility.

Understands digital-first publishing and is fluent in using data, search trends, and social media to shape and amplify coverage.

Is a skilled line editor with the ability to sharpen leads, develop structure, and elevate storytelling.

Is deeply committed to inclusive journalism that reflects Houston’s racial, economic, and cultural diversity.

Has strong organizational and planning skills, and can guide reporters working on a mix of breaking news and long-term projects.

Is collaborative and communicative, with a track record of fostering strong newsroom relationships and helping journalists grow.

How is success measured in this role?

Daily cadence of news coverage that consistently beats competitors

Primary KPIs:

Total visits

Subscriber visits

Conversions

Secondary KPIs:

Community impact

Innovation and experimentation

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands. Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston. All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

WHAT WE OFFER:

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Houston Chronicle. Our business is growing and transforming every day. Advertisers are partnering with us to help them navigate new marketing strategies in today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Simply put, the Houston Chronicle is a media company that uses its rich history and data to deliver the most impactful media campaigns for our customers. We leverage our substantial audience reach, coupled with best in class advertising solutions to keep our customer’s brand in front of the right people at the right time.

Why are we different? Our people! Our company is diverse and filled with smart, passionate people who want to make a difference in their community, regardless of the role they play in the company. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment and expect our people to challenge the norm.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at . Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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