Editorial Director, Technology Vertical

Title: Editorial Director, Technology VerticalSchedule Format- Location: Hybrid- San FranciscoPay Information: $129,776 - $162,220Position Summary:

The Editorial Director, Technology Vertical, is a senior content leadership role at KQED charged with shaping the editorial vision, voice, and identity of our technology vertical—establishing KQED as a distinctive, authoritative source of journalism on Silicon Valley's impact on society.

Initially reporting to the Editor in Chief, this leader defines the point of view that guides technology content across platforms: radio and podcast programming, digital video, newsletters, live events, and more. The Editorial Director sets priorities, identifies the themes and questions that animate KQED's technology coverage, and cultivates a distinctive editorial sensibility that distinguishes our work in a crowded media landscape. They work hands-on with reporters, hosts and other journalists to develop their voices, shape content for maximum editorial impact, and maintain the journalistic standards that reflect KQED's public service mission. 

Beyond defining the scope and nature of KQED’s tech journalism, the Editorial Director is responsible for the strategic growth and sustainability of the vertical. This includes working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and partnering with audience research, marketing, product, revenue, and operations teams to align editorial ambitions with organizational goals—ensuring that strong journalism also drives audience growth, community engagement, and long-term viability.

Initially, the Editorial Director manages a team of 3+ producers and staff, and will help coordinate and collaborate internally to develop a new conversation-driven podcast and radio program that defines a distinctive, Bay Area-rooted approach to the urgent task of understanding and explaining the stakes of technology today.. This includes guiding editorial development from pitch through production, ensuring each piece of content serves a clear audience need and advances the vertical's editorial identity. Eventually this role will manage additional staff and journalists. 

KQED envisions a public media organization with a culture that centers on human dignity, equity, and belonging. This will enable us to better serve and reflect the Bay Area through diverse and inclusive storytelling. 

We value the contributions of marginalized people in society — including Black, Indigenous, and all people of color,  people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people — and we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, and we strongly encourage members of these communities to apply.

KQED Code of Ethicshttps://www.kqed.org/about/code-ethics

The mission that drives us:

KQED provide citizens of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media.   We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone and engage audiences to share their stories. We help students and teachers thrive in 21st-century classrooms, and take people of all ages on journeys of exploration- exposing them to new people, places and ideas.

This role will work hybrid between working inKQED's newly renovated headquarters and working remotely. 

Essential Functions:

Editorial Leadership

• Develop a distinctive editorial voice that differentiates KQED's technology coverage
• Guide editorial direction across radio, podcast, video, newsletter, and event platforms
• Collaborate with on-air talent to shape programming and build audience loyalty
• Ensure coverage balances innovation with accountability

Editorial Management & Team Leadership

• Oversee the 3+ person team producing a new conversation-based technology podcast
• Plans include eventual oversight and management of expanded tech editorial tech, including reporters
• Foster a collaborative culture that embraces experimentation
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate staff as the vertical evolves

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with marketing to build audience awareness and brand recognition for the vertical
• Work closely with heads of product, live events, and television/video on development on new offerings
• Partner with revenue teams including corporate sponsorship to develop sustainable funding streams. Collaborate with membership to drive conversion and engagement
• Coordinate with operations to ensure efficient workflows and resource allocation
• Integrate with broader newsroom and content teams as appropriate

Business Development & Sustainability

• Manage the vertical's operating budget
• Work with revenue leads on setting and achieving revenue goals
• Track and report on audience, revenue, and engagement metrics
• Identify opportunities for growth, partnership, and national distribution
• Represent the vertical internally and externally

Knowledge/Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
• 8+ years of experience in journalism or media, with focus on technology coverage
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams
• Track record of building audience-focused content brands
• Knowledge of the technology industry and Silicon Valley ecosystem
• Experience working cross-functionally with business units (marketing, revenue, operations)
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence across organizational levels
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public media or mission-driven organizations
• Portfolio demonstrating original editorial perspective on technology
• Experience with multi-platform content strategy
• Network of relationships in the technology community
• Knowledge of membership and underwriting revenue models

Powered by JazzHR