1

Investigative Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of ...

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of ...

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of ...

The Senior Editor does not just manage copy and audio; they are a mentor who works closely with ... Direct and shape long-form features, investigative pieces, and special series, particularly around ...

Senior Editor (Volunteer) Note: This is a remote, part-time volunteer position. Are you an ... Who We Are WhoWhatWhy is an independent nonprofit investigative news organization producing deep ...

... investigative reports. It requires a mentor who can help reporters improve their newsgathering and ... The editor will use metrics and audience research to guide decisions about covering topics and ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$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 ...

The Senior Editor does not just manage copy and audio; they are a mentor who works closely with ... Direct and shape long-form features, investigative pieces, and special series, particularly around ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Editor

Charlotte, NC · Hybrid

$80K - $85K/yr

WFAE Senior Editor (Immediate Opening) Location: Charlotte, NC (Hybrid) Salary Range: $80,000 - $85 ... Direct and shape long-form features, investigative pieces, and special series, particularly around ...

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:

Investigative Journalist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. * 3+ years of investigative reporting, preferably in daily journalism; editing experience a plus. * Willing to work irregular hours and holidays as needed.

Investigative Journalist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. * 3+ years of investigative reporting, preferably in daily journalism; editing experience a plus. * Willing to work irregular hours and holidays as needed.

The Houston Chronicle is looking to hire an investigative reporter to join our award-winning ... Collaborates with other reporters, editors, visual journalists and audience colleagues to elevate ...

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:

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Investigative Editor information

See salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do investigative editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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 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
What states have the most Investigative Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Editor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Investigative Editor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble journalist with sharp news judgment and editing skills to lead its night desk, running breaking news coverage every weekday from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

This is a key position in one of the West's largest newsrooms, managing the digital report into the evening across several desks. While the editor works directly with two swing-shift reporters, they also handle late-breaking stories from reporters on other beats. The role requires the ability to monitor a wide spectrum of news sources, quickly pivot toward new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. 

We rely on the night editor to make spot coverage decisions and send reporters into the field when the story calls for it, but also to alert senior editors when more resources or counsel are needed.

The ideal candidate is curious, thrives under pressure and sees opportunities that others miss. We are looking for a positive communicator who can help journalists refine ideas and make creative decisions about how stories should be presented, while partnering with photo editors, digital producers and others.

The night editor helps reporters develop their skills and grow, while identifying and working with them on in-depth features and enterprise stories when news isn't breaking. The person should embrace multimedia tools and be energized by the challenge of producing work, often on deadline, that is clear, accurate and fair. 

What you will do:

  • Monitor local and national news outlets, as well as social media and other sources, assigning stories to reporters and giving them direction.
  • Edit with accuracy, clarity and speed, writing punchy headlines and updating stories frequently.
  • Send reporters into the field as appropriate and coordinate with photo editors. 
  • On bigger stories, launch additional coverage, consult with senior editors, and plan for ongoing coverage into the night or morning.
  • Work with reporters to hone reporting and writing skills, and to develop enterprise stories that go deeper.

What it will take to be successful: 

  • At least three to five years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
  • Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and a commitment to fairness.
  • An ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment. 
  • Solid editing and storytelling skills.
  • Leadership skills and ability to mentor and guide a team.

Requirements: 

  • This position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 2-10:30 p.m.
  • The candidate must be based in the Bay Area, though our in-office requirement does not apply to this position.

 This position does not provide sponsorship. All applicants should have the right to work in the US without immigration sponsorship.

What We Offer:

  • A dynamic, mission-driven environment - no two days are the same.
  • Ongoing skills training on the latest digital and storytelling tools.
  • Competitive compensation with room to advance your career.
  • A team that listens - your ideas and voice matter here.

Comprehensive Benefits

We support your whole self - inside and outside the newsroom.

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with competitive matching
  • Generous paid time off, holidays, and parental leave
  • Mental health & wellness support
  • Fertility, menopause, and LGBTQ+ inclusive health benefits
  • Pet wellness reimbursement and Rover credits
  • Monthly child & dependent care assistance

Click here to learn more about working at Hearst Newspapers.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in the state of California. The reasonable estimate, if hired in California is $100,000 - $120,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in California. A final decision on the successful candidate's starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.

About The San Francisco Chronicle & SFChronicle.com: 

The San Francisco Chronicle is one of the largest news organizations in the West. SFChronicle.com is home to the Bay Area's best journalism and has been recognized as the best large newspaper website in California. Our award-winning journalists provide insight into the people and events shaping the Bay Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of breaking news in Northern California. Join our team!

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents 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

#LI-DH1