Jobs & Careers

Title: Arts + Culture Deputy Editor

Report: Editor-in-Chief

Location: Wilmington, Delaware 

Position Type: Exempt 

Travel: Occasional 

About Spotlight Delaware
Spotlight Delaware is a collaborative nonprofit newsroom, whose mission is to strengthen local journalism in Delaware to fortify our democracy and inform and engage our communities.

OPPORTUNITY

This is a unique opportunity for a Deputy Editor to join our dynamic team. This team member will play a pivotal role in launching Spotlight Delaware’s inaugural Arts + Culture section and will be a public ambassador of the brand.

We are looking for a journalist with a proven track record of accurate reporting, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for storytelling. Among the topics that this section will cover are food, music, performing arts, visual arts and stories of community interest, with a particular eye for stories from underrepresented communities.

If you are a dedicated journalist with a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity and help us continue delivering quality news to the Delaware community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy Editor would lead Spotlight Delaware’s new Arts + Culture section, and would be required to write two stories a week while managing a handful of freelance writers and photographers to assist in content creation.

The team member will work closely with the Editor-In-Chief and Deputy Editors to produce high-quality journalism that explores the arts, entertainment and culture that make Delaware a vibrant place to live, work and play. Key duties will involve writing weekly coverage, maintaining a calendar, assigning and editing freelance work, adapting content for short-form video content, hosting in-person or online events, and actively engaging with the audience and local community. 

In this nontraditional newsroom, the Deputy Editor may also work collaboratively with editorial staff from other news outlets, at the direction of the Editor-in-Chief, and participate in a variety of group and solo community engagement events.

Preferred qualifications include experience in arts journalism, innovative storytelling abilities and a desire to be involved in the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet the needs of our startup business.

Reporting and Storytelling

• Work closely with the Editor-In-Chief and Deputy Editors to produce high-quality journalism that examines the arts and culture of Delaware, with an eye for stories in historically under-represented communities.
• Build a weekly curated list of events / things to do in Delaware.
• Develop content and stories that can be effectively conveyed across various mediums – digital, audio, and visual – ensuring wide reach and engagement.
• Conduct thorough research, interviews, and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and credibility in all reported pieces.
• Maintain strong editorial processes and standards to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency across the newsroom.
• Regularly review and analyze audience feedback and metrics and engage directly with the community to understand the impact of stories, adapt reporting techniques, and improve future content.

Community Engagement 

• Participate in public forums, Q&A sessions, or webinars to directly engage with the audience, answer their queries, and build a stronger relationship between the newsroom and the community.
• Remain flexible, creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial to continuously learn about and respond to community information needs. Spotlight Delaware has a community-informed culture that often surveys readers on what they want and need, leading the organization to shift focus for those expectations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Prior experience in journalism required, with a strong emphasis on arts or culture reporting. Post-grad candidates with a portfolio from a college newspaper would be considered.
• Experience with, or interest in, nonprofit, collaborative or other nontraditional news operations preferred.
• College degree in journalism or communications, or commensurate experience in a newsroom, required. 
• Candidates will be required to have at least two years of experience in a professional or collegiate newsroom, preferably with management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Photography experience preferred but not required
• Short-form video (TikTok, Reels, YouTube shorts, etc.) experience preferred but not required
• Ability to think strategically and identify compelling stories that resonate with Delaware audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of building rapport with a diverse range of individuals and communities.
• Innovative mindset with a willingness to experiment with new storytelling formats and approaches.
• Passion for local journalism and its role in building community.

Work Environment

• We are a hybrid newsroom based in Wilmington and Georgetown.
• Residency in Delaware required
• Work schedule flexibility required 
• Must have your own vehicle
• We emphasize professional development in a learning-and-training environment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: $65-$72K/year (commensurate with experience)

In addition to competitive pay and the opportunity to work with a great group of people, Spotlight Delaware provides exceptional benefits to all eligible employees. Current benefits for full-time employees include:

• Excellent health, dental and vision coverage
• Four weeks PTO
• Nine paid holidays plus three floating holidays
• 403(b) with employer match
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume, cover letter and up to three published clips to jowens@spotlightdelaware.org.

We’re committed to building an inclusive organization that represents the people and communities we serve. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

Title: Reporter / Senior Reporter

Report: Deputy Editor

Location: Hybrid/Wilmington, Delaware or Hybrid/Georgetown, Delaware 

Position Type: Exempt 

Travel: Occasional 

About Spotlight Delaware
Spotlight Delaware is a collaborative nonprofit newsroom, whose mission is to strengthen local journalism in Delaware to fortify our democracy and inform and engage our communities.

OPPORTUNITY

This is a unique opportunity for a Reporter or Senior Reporter to join our dynamic team. This team member will play a pivotal role in covering the stories that matter most to our local community. We are looking for a journalist with a proven track record of in-depth reporting, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for storytelling. You will have the opportunity to delve into a wide range of topics, from state and local politics to stories about people and communities, that resonate with our readers. 

If you are a dedicated journalist with a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity and help us continue delivering quality news to the Delaware community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Reporter would lead Spotlight Delaware’s coverage of the state’s under-served communities, as well as its Spotlight Delaware En Español brand of social media channels. A Reporter would contribute to Spotlight Delaware’s coverage of the state’s under-served communities, as well as its Spotlight Delaware En Español brand of social media channels.

The team member will work closely with the Editor-In-Chief and Deputy Editors to produce high-quality journalism that explores the impact of public policy on Delaware citizens. Key duties will involve completing investigative projects, developing content for multiple mediums, hosting in-person or online events, conducting thorough research and fact-checking, and actively engaging with the audience and local community. 

In this nontraditional newsroom, the Reporter / Senior Reporter also will work collaboratively with editorial staff from other news outlets, at the direction of the Editor-in-Chief, and participate in a variety of group and solo community engagement events.

Preferred qualifications include strategic thinking, experience in investigative journalism, and innovative storytelling abilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet the needs of our startup business.

Reporting and Storytelling

• Work closely with the Editor-In-Chief and Deputy Editors to produce high-quality journalism that examines the impact of public policy on Delaware citizens, with a special focus on historically under-served and under-represented communities.
• Analyze and break down complex government policies and public documents into easily digestible and relatable stories for the general public.
• Develop content and stories that can be effectively conveyed across various mediums – digital, audio, and visual – ensuring wide reach and engagement, particularly for Spotlight Delaware’s Spanish-speaking audience.
• Lead investigative journalism projects, applying analytical skills and utilizing various resources, including the Freedom of Information Act, to dig deeper into government-related stories and issues.
• Conduct thorough research, interviews, and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and credibility in all reported pieces.
• Maintain strong editorial processes and standards to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency across the newsroom.
• Regularly review and analyze audience feedback and metrics and engage directly with the community to understand the impact of stories, adapt reporting techniques, and improve future content.

Community Engagement 

• Remain flexible, creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial to continuously learn about and respond to community information needs. 
• Participate in public forums, Q&A sessions, or webinars to directly engage with the audience, answer their queries, and build a stronger relationship between the newsroom and the community.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local sources, community leaders, and experts to enrich reporting and gain valuable insights.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Full conversational fluency in both Spanish and English required
• Prior experience in journalism required, with a strong emphasis on investigative reporting and producing impactful stories preferred.
• Experience with, or interest in, nonprofit, collaborative or other nontraditional news operations preferred.
• College degree in journalism or communications, or commensurate experience in a newsroom, required. 
• Senior Reporter candidates will be required to have at least 3 years of experience in a professional newsroom.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Ability to think strategically and identify compelling stories that resonate with Delaware audiences.
• In-depth knowledge of Delaware’s local news landscape, political dynamics, and key community issues preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of building rapport with a diverse range of individuals and communities.
• Innovative mindset with a willingness to experiment with new storytelling formats and approaches.
• Passion for local journalism and its role in holding government accountable, fostering civic engagement and building community.

Work Environment

• We are a hybrid newsroom based in Wilmington.
• Residence in Delaware required
• Work schedule flexibility required 
• Must own your own vehicle
• Occasional opportunity for out-of-state travel for conferences

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: $60K+/year (commensurate with experience)

In addition to competitive pay and the opportunity to work with a great group of people, Spotlight Delaware provides exceptional benefits to all eligible employees. Current benefits for full-time employees include:

• Excellent health, dental and vision coverage
• Four weeks PTO
• Nine paid holidays plus three floating holidays
• 403(b) with employer match
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume, cover letter and up to 3 published clips to jowens@spotlightdelaware.org.

We’re committed to building an inclusive organization that represents the people and communities we serve. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.