State Investigations Editor

As a member of our Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom, you’ll shape the strategic vision for state coverage and edit investigative journalists diving into topics within Illinois Answers’ three key topic areas: criminal justice and public safety;government finance and accountability, and equity and economic opportunity.

The ideal editor for this role will have some data analysis skills, strong news judgment and experience leading a team through high-impact investigations and enterprise. Your team will include three state investigative journalists, each with a geographic area of emphasis, and one journalist focused on state government accountability.

We want someone who can work with media partners and manage all aspects of the statewide program, including its budget and tracking story impact. This is a senior position in the newsroom that works directly with other editors to carry out our strategic vision. The position reports to the Editor-in-Chief.

Minimum qualifications:

• At least seven years of journalism experience editing investigations or substantial enterprise.
• A proven ability to generate investigative and enterprise stories that drive change.
• Experience editing reporters of various skill sets.
• Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• A strong background in Illinois issues and news
• Experience editing Solutions Journalism stories or projects or an openness to learn.
• Interest in community engagement and audience strategy

Location: Illinois Answers is a hybrid newsroom (two to three in-office days per week) based in downtown Chicago.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $130,000 – $140,000, contingent on experience and other job-related factors. The position includes medical and dental insurance; vision and transit benefits; a comprehensive paid time off package; and a 401(k) with an employer match.

Application Deadline: December 12, 2025.

We are looking for a talented, high-potential colleague who can contribute to the success of this enterprise by producing journalism with impact that benefits the people of Illinois. So please apply even if you don’t meet all the listed job requirements.

We also encourage applicants from traditionally underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. The Better Government Association is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness for all employees. We welcome the unique contributions you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.

About Illinois Answers: The Illinois Answers Project is an investigations and solutions-focused nonprofit and nonpartisan newsroom published by the Better Government Association, winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in local reporting. The Illinois Answers Project seeks to inform, engage and mobilize residents, civic leaders and public officials to generate and implement changes that build a state of Illinois in which all communities can prosper. The Better Government Association also publishes BGA Policy, which advocates for more transparent, accountable and equitable government through public policy reform. The newsroom staff and BGA Policy staff operate independently.