Assignment Editor - The Hamilton Spectator (Full-time)

Company Description

The Hamilton Spectator is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced News Editor who is skilled in story telling for both digital and print platforms. The successful candidate will be a talented self-starter who can identify and assign a wide range of stories on compelling and important topics of relevance to Hamilton Spectator and spec.com readers. The successful candidate must have demonstrated ability in working on tight deadlines.
 
Our Commitment To Diversity 
We strive to be a leader in building and cultivating an employee community framed around fairness, support and opportunity. We believe that what makes us different, makes a difference. And as a team, the diversity of our backgrounds, interests and experiences is what enriches our work, and our workplaces. We welcome all, and we strive for an inclusive culture that allows individual growth and shared success. 

Job Description

Key accountabilities:

• Identifying and assigning the best stories, including breaking news, features, investigations and context pieces
• Working with reporters/photographers to ensure they receive clear direction and helpful feedback for their work
• Responding to questions, tips and concerns from readers
• Monitoring Marfeel to ensure we are providing the most well-read and engaging stories
• Keeping track of stories that need to be assigned or followed

• Rewriting and editing a broad range of content, including photo descriptions, breaking news, developing coverage, special investigations, features, utility content, etc.
• Providing constructive feedback to content creators and improving the quality and clarity of copy written for print and web.
• Editing copy for style, language usage, flow and logical presentation of information.
• Demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Upholding and contributing to Metroland editorial's best practices.
• Understanding and flagging libel and defamation.
• Maintaining and updating tracking documents.
• Working on statutory holidays, early mornings, evenings and/or weekends as required.

Salary $84,296.69

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by April 15, 2026

This role is represented by Unifor Local 87-M.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in journalism or a related field, including English or communications, or other relevant experience.
• At least two years of recent experience in a digital news environment. 
• Proficient with content management systems and SEO best practices.
• Superb news judgment and a sharp eye for detail.
• Deep knowledge of Canadian Press Style. Knowledge of Torstar style is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to adhere to a common standard.
• An engaged consumer of news with a passion for words and strong rewriting abilities.
• A stickler for grammar, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation.
• Proven ability to work quickly and decisively in a deadline-driven news environment.
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Note: Candidates will be subject to skills and knowledge testing.

Additional Information

AODA
Torstar Group of Companies is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario Human Rights Code we will endeavour to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager upon scheduling the interview of your requirements.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) uses AI for initial screening and assessment; however, all final selection decisions are made by our Hiring Managers.