Health Editor

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Health Beat Lab EditorLocation:

Little Rock, ArkansasJob Type:

Exempt, full-time, in-office positionIf you want to lead reporting that makes a difference,here's your chance.

Arkansas ranks at or near the bottom nationwide on virtuallyevery metric for health, equity and access. The state's infant mortality rateis nearly 60% higher than the U.S. average. Rural health is in crisis. Hospitalclosures, mental health gaps and policy decisions are among the litany ofchallenges.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is seeking an editor to lead athree-person health team (Rural Health Reporter and Maternal & Child Health Reporter) to deliver data-driven journalism and people-centeredstorytelling through a public health, accountability and community-impact lens.

This work will enhance understanding and increase accountability for those whomake the critical decisions affecting the lives of families.

Our health editor will be a smart, serious and tirelesschampion of health journalism in Arkansas, leading the production of breakingnews, enterprise, explanatory and investigative stories focused on maternal andinfant mortality, pregnancy and postpartum care, pediatric health, ruralhealthcare access, Medicaid and insurance, vaccination and public health, reproductivehealth policy, mental health, childcare systems and health disparities.

We want an editor with the chops and determination to guidereporting on deeply human stories, hold institutions accountable, helpcommunities better understand the systems shaping health outcomes and fuelurgent, consequential stories.

Do you know this topic already? Do you know how to lead? Areyou motivated, curious, compassionate, audience-focused and comfortablebalancing data-driven accountability reporting with deeply personalstorytelling? If so, we want to hear from you.

ResponsibilitiesSet the agenda for breaking news, enterprise andinvestigative storiesBecome expert in the issues affecting health in Arkansas andacross the countryMeet regularly with your team to determine reportingobjectivesDrive reporting on healthcare systems, policy decisions andpublic health trends affecting ArkansansDirect pursuit and analysis of public records, health dataand research to identify trends, disparities and accountability storiesEngage as a player-coach, developing connections with peopleacross the spectrum of coverageEnsure your staff builds relationships and trust amonghealthcare professionals, researchers, advocates and affected familiesDeliver coverage on issues impacting rural communities andunderserved populationsAssign human-centered stories powered by storytelling andsupported by data and details from public recordsWork with your staff to produce compelling prose thatunfolds the issues in clear, precise language while keeping readers interestedand engagedGuide your staff in translating complex health andscientific information into accessible, audience-friendly journalismCollaborate with our visuals, audience and engagement teamson storytelling and distribution strategiesCoordinate coverage so that stories are consistentlyaccompanied by powerful images, video and graphics that illustrate the dataJoin community listening sessions and engagement effortsContribute to newsletters, social media, video or othermultimedia storytelling as neededSet the highest possible standards for journalism, accountability reporting, writing, storytelling and multimedia presentations.

Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field requiredExperience leading reporting on health, public policy, education or social issuesA proven track record as a leader and managerDemonstrated ability to analyze and contextualize data and researchUnderstanding of healthcare systems and public health issuesExpertise in trauma-informed interviewing and how to approach sensitive topicsKnowledge of disparities affecting rural, low-income and historically underserved communitiesRecord of leading reporters in the production of quick-turn, enterprise and investigative storiesCollaborative mindset and strong audience awarenessAbout Arkansas Health BeatThis position is among the first being filled as part ofArkansas Health Beat, a new statewide health reporting lab. Arkansas HealthBeat will produce impactful, community-centered journalism focused on healthcare access, public health, accountability and the systems shaping thewellbeing of Arkansans across the state.

The Health Editor will lead two people hired under theinitiative and will play a foundational role in shaping the direction,priorities and impact of the effort. The other positions for which we arehiring include a reporter covering maternal health and child care and anothercovering rural health.

We offer a complete benefits package that includes paidvacation, holidays, sick leave, personal days, and parental leave. Takeadvantage of extensive health, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage, aswell as long-term disability and retirement plans for your future well-being.

We support your well-being through the Employee Assistance Program andBehavioral Health support, offering extra help whenever you need it.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is an equal opportunityemployer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexincluding pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin,disability, age 40 or older, or genetic information, including family medicalhistory or any other legally protected class or status.

This is a safety-sensitive position. A candidate must pass adrug screening and background checks and have a driving record that meetsrequirements set in the "Personal Vehicle Used for Company Business" policy.