Arts + Culture Deputy Editor

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.
• Residency in Delaware required
• Work schedule flexibility required
• Must own 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 [email protected] . 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.