McClatchy Media is hiring: South Carolina Investigations Editor in Columbia

Overview

Join to apply for the South Carolina Investigations Editor role at McClatchy Media.

The State seeks an experienced investigative journalist to lead statewide investigations and projects, working with reporters in three South Carolina newsrooms. Applicants should be motivated to lead impactful work that reveals what others hide, holds those in power to account, engages communities and drives change. They should have a track record of generating relevant project ideas and delivering ambitious multimedia storytelling and reporting. We’re looking for a creative collaborator who will lead a team of reporters at The State, The Island Packet in Hilton Head and the Myrtle Beach Sun News, and engage with the wider newsroom staff on high‑level accountability work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the statewide investigations and projects team across three South Carolina newsrooms
• Guide reporters to develop ambitious, high‑impact ideas and deliver multimedia storytelling and reporting
• Lead and collaborate with veterans and emerging journalists to bring out the best in the team
• Balance quick‑turn investigations with long‑form, high‑quality projects
• Engage the newsroom’s top reporters on breaking news when appropriate and protect them for deeper work as needed
• Utilize AI and emerging technologies as investigative tools while staying current on industry developments
• Communicate early and often with all newsroom stakeholders

Qualifications

• Substantial investigative experience and experience leading teams
• Understanding of digital publishing, online metrics, reader engagement, and how to use these tools to elevate projects
• Commitment to representing the diversity of the community in coverage and staff
• College degree or equivalent experience
• Based in Columbia, with hybrid flexibility to work both in the office and at home

What We’ll Bring

Columbia is a university town and state capital, with a vibrant environment, located within a short drive to the mountains and the beach. McClatchy offers a supportive, flexible team with a focus on well‑being and daily life. Benefits include healthcare coverage for employees and families, financial protection, wellness resources, and coverage for dependents. The overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, corporate holidays, and various mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy’s benefit plan, visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

Compensation & Location

Columbia, SC — $35,000.00–$55,000.00 per year. This position is based in Columbia with hybrid flexibility.

How to Apply

Please include a persuasive cover letter, your resume, and four to six examples of projects you have led, highlighting your role in each.

About McClatchy

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of vibrant and trusted news, lifestyle, entertainment brands and a robust retail distribution network. Our brands reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month. Our network includes iconic local brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee, and lifestyle brands such as Us Weekly and Woman’s World. Our distribution network reaches more than 56,000 retail locations weekly.