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Investigative Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Autos Editor

Detroit, MI · On-site

The Freep Autos Editor supervises an accomplished reporting team that covers both the fast-paced ... Assign and edit stories, projects and investigations for the Detroit-based reporters who cover Ford ...

The Real Deal

News Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

This role will focus on The Real Deal's monthly magazine, spearheading the assignment, oversight, and editing of features, profiles and investigations for our flagship product. Job Responsibilities:

gannett

Autos Editor

Detroit, MI

The Freep Autos Editor supervises an accomplished reporting team that covers both the fast-paced ... Assign and edit stories, projects and investigations for the Detroit-based reporters who cover Ford ...

The Real Deal

News Editor

New York, NY

$80K - $95K/yr

This role will focus on The Real Deal 's monthly magazine, spearheading the assignment, oversight, and editing of features, profiles and investigations for our flagship product. Job Responsibilities:

The Free Press

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

Demonstrated skill in editing business and economics pieces, including investigations, op-eds, essays, or reported features. * A strong editorial voice with the ability to sharpen arguments and ...

Univision

Editor & Producer

Miami, FL

Univision Local Media in Miami is seeking a full time Producer & Editor. The right candidate will ... Must be willing to submit to a background investigation * Applicants must be currently authorized ...

The Washington Post

D.C. Regional Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences ... The editor will work across a wide range of topics - from politics and immigration to the economy ...

The Real Deal

News Editor

New York, NY

This role will focus on The Real Deal 's monthly magazine, spearheading the assignment, oversight, and editing of features, profiles and investigations for our flagship product. Job Responsibilities:

Fortune

Features & Enterprise Editor

New York, NY · On-site

This editor should have strong finance, tech, and business knowledge and be capable of developing ... investigations, and data-driven projects. * Take a leading role in assigning and editorial ...

gannett

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA

... and investigative reports. It requires a mentor who can help reporters improve their newsgathering and writing skills and take on ever-more sophisticated work. The editor will use metrics and ...

WOWK-TV

Investigative MMJ

Brownsville, TX

KVEO CBS 4 in Harlingen/Brownsville/McAllen, TX (DMA 80) is hiring an investigative multimedia ... Proficient at digital video editing. * Confident at ad-libing presentations without the aid of ...

Tribune Media

Investigative MMJ

Brownsville, TX

KVEO CBS 4 in Harlingen/Brownsville/McAllen, TX (DMA 80) is hiring an investigative multimedia ... Proficient at digital video editing. * Confident at ad-libing presentations without the aid of ...

The Washington Post

D.C. Regional Editor

Washington, DC

$125K - $175K/yr

Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences ... The editor will work across a wide range of topics - from politics and immigration to the economy ...

Nexstar Media Group

Investigative MMJ

Brownsville, TX · On-site

KVEO CBS 4 in Harlingen/Brownsville/McAllen, TX (DMA 80) is hiring an investigative multimedia ... Proficient at digital video editing. * Confident at ad-libing presentations without the aid of ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

That can take many forms: a major scoop, a deeply reported investigation, timely analysis, a special project. You should be comfortable with editing these types of stories, and especially the ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

That can take many forms: a major scoop, a deeply reported investigation, timely analysis, a special project. You should be comfortable with editing these types of stories, and especially the ...

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How much do investigative editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an investigative editor do?

An investigative editor reviews and refines in-depth reports and stories, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to journalistic standards. They often coordinate with reporters, verify facts, and may use editing tools like content management systems to produce well-researched, compelling investigative content.

What are some common challenges Investigative Editors face in managing long-term projects with multiple reporters?

Investigative Editors often juggle complex, long-term projects that require coordinating multiple reporters, verifying sources, and maintaining rigorous fact-checking standards. Challenges include keeping the team focused on deadlines, ensuring clear communication, and managing sensitive information securely. Editors must also balance editorial independence with legal considerations, especially when stories involve powerful subjects. Proactive planning and fostering a collaborative environment are key to overcoming these hurdles.

What is the highest paying investigator job?

The highest paying investigator roles are often senior positions such as private investigators, corporate security investigators, or federal agents like FBI special agents, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require specialized skills, security clearances, and extensive experience in investigations or law enforcement.

Are investigative journalists in demand?

Investigative journalists are in demand as media organizations seek in-depth reporting to inform the public and hold power accountable. The role often requires strong research skills, familiarity with digital tools, and the ability to work under tight deadlines, with employment prospects influenced by the media industry's overall health and funding for investigative projects.

Is 30 too late to get into journalism?

Investigative editors often start their careers at various ages, and entering journalism at 30 is common. Success depends on skills, experience, and dedication; many professionals transition into journalism later in life and bring valuable perspectives. Building a strong portfolio and gaining relevant experience can help establish a career regardless of age.

What are investigative editors?

Investigative editors are professionals who oversee and guide investigative journalists in researching, reporting, and producing in-depth news stories. They help shape story ideas, ensure accuracy and fairness, and manage the editorial process from conception to publication. Investigative editors also verify sources, check facts, and ensure that legal and ethical standards are met throughout the reporting process. Their role is crucial in producing impactful journalism that uncovers important issues and holds people or institutions accountable.

What is the difference between Investigative Editor vs Fact-Checker?

AspectInvestigative EditorFact-Checker
Required credentialsJournalism, communications, or related degree; strong research skillsJournalism, communications, or related degree; attention to detail
Work environmentMedia outlets, magazines, online platformsMedia organizations, publishing houses, newsrooms
Employer usageOversees investigative stories, verifies sourcesVerifies facts, checks accuracy of content

Investigative Editors and Fact-Checkers both work in media environments and require similar educational backgrounds. However, Investigative Editors focus on developing and overseeing in-depth investigative stories, while Fact-Checkers concentrate on verifying facts and ensuring accuracy. Their roles complement each other in producing credible, well-researched content.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Editor, you need expertise in journalism, strong editorial judgment, and experience in investigative reporting, usually supported by a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, content management systems, and fact-checking software is typically required. Outstanding critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills are essential for guiding teams and handling sensitive stories. These abilities ensure rigorous, ethical reporting and high-quality investigative journalism that holds power to account.
More about Investigative Editor jobs
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What job categories do people searching Investigative Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Editor jobs are:
Investigative Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Autos Editor

Autos Editor

gannett

Detroit, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Gannett rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 65 rated media

Job description

The Detroit Free Press is looking for a passionate editor to helm our award-winning autos team. The Freep Autos Editor supervises an accomplished reporting team that covers both the fast-paced auto industry and how real people engage with cars. In partnership with the USA TODAY NETWORK, our goal is to provide the best general interest auto coverage in the nation, leaning into consumer content while maintaining our strong local audiences for industry and labor news. 

The Free Press Autos Editor must be an experienced media manager with a passion for all things autos and demonstrated editing proficiency, on all platforms. The Autos Editor will be responsible for managing the Detroit autos team and also helping to coordinate autos coverage across the USA Today Network. They will report to the Freep’s Executive Editor/Autos & Business and work closely with the USA Today Autos Team. 

In this role, you will: 

  • Respond to a dynamic and demanding news environment.
  • Assign and edit stories, projects and investigations for the Detroit-based reporters who cover Ford, General Motors, Stellantis and the UAW.
  • Coordinate and edit cross-network coverage of automotive consumer news designed to connect with how people engage with their cars.
  • Work with the Free Press audience team on developing successful content on car culture.
  • Establish and maintain ongoing lines of communication among automotive teams across the USA Today Network.
  • Monitor metrics, utilize SEO best practices.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 7+ years of relevant management/supervisory experience
  • Proven proficiency in applying analytics to content strategy.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Exposure to deadline-driven environment.
  • Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
  • SEO knowledge.
  • Self-motivation and self-direction.
  • Strong line-editing skills.
  • Strong people-management skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.

Required Industry knowledge:

  • Understanding of the multi-faceted auto industry, and how consumer needs drive the category
  • Understanding of how to engage audiences on digital platforms.
  • The ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing industry
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1.    Your resume – one to two pages.
2.    A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3.    Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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