Editor II: AI & Emerging Tech Reporter
Description
The Opportunity:
As an Editor II at ZDNET, you’ll help readers navigate the most transformative (and often confusing) era in technology history. We are looking for an enthusiastic skeptic: someone who sees the world-changing potential of AI but can also spot the hype and call it out, too.
You’ll work fast to write and edit stories on AI and other emerging technology, translating complex breakthroughs into clear, actionable stories. Whether it’s a breaking product launch or a deep-dive investigation into an industry controversy, you’ll help our audience parse what they really need to know about tech news each day and why
Key Responsibilities:
- Daily News & Analysis: Write, edit, and publish high-impact daily stories on AI and emerging tech.
- The "Enthusiastic Skeptic" Lens: Critically evaluate new AI tools, features, and models. You’ll spotlight innovation while asking the hard questions about data privacy, bias, and practical utility.
- Source Development: Build relationships with key AI players – from Big Tech to startups – to secure exclusives, embargoed briefings, and "inside-the-lab" access.
- Original Reporting: Go beyond the press release. Conduct interviews with researchers, developers, ethicists, and other experts to provide original insights.
- Multimedia Storytelling: Craft compelling headlines, select eye-catching visuals, and collaborate on social or video content to reach our audience where they are.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Produce a mix of content, including quick news hits, "how-to" guides for AI workflows, and long-form features that cement ZDNET’s authority.
- Event Coverage: Be on the front lines of major industry announcements, from OpenAI DevDay and Google I/O to CES and Apple events.
Job Qualifications:
- 2+ years of tech journalism experience with a demonstrable interest in AI, machine learning, or software ecosystems.
- The Skeptic’s Eye: A natural ability to spot "AI-washing" and a commitment to investigative curiosity and accuracy.
- Exceptional Clarity: You can explain a neural network or a Large Language Model (LLM) to a beginner without losing the nuance.
- Agility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced "newsroom" environment where priorities can shift with a single social media post or product drop.
- Data-Driven: Experience using analytics to understand what readers care about and optimizing content for performance.
- Growth Mindset: You are hungry for feedback and eager to evolve your reporting style and learn new topics as the tech landscape changes.
- Social Media Savvy: Experience building a brand or community on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
- On-Camera Presence: Comfort hosting short-form video explainers or appearing on tech podcasts.
- Hands-on Technical Skills: Experience using AI tools in your daily workflows.
About Ziff Davis
Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, connectivity, health, cybersecurity, and martech. Today, Ziff Davis is focused on seven key verticals – Technology, Connectivity, Shopping, Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cybersecurity and Marketing Technology. Its brands include IGN, Mashable, RetailMeNot, PCMag, ZDNET, CNET, Humble Bundle, Spiceworks, Ookla (Speedtest), RootMetrics, Everyday Health, BabyCenter, Moz, iContact and Vipre Security.
Our Benefits
ZDNET offers competitive salaries in addition to robust, health and wellness-focused benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life and disability benefits. Our employees enjoy Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), a 401(k) with company match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
We are committed to work-life balance with Flexible Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, and paid holidays. We offer family building and caregiving support and generous Family Care and Parental leave, when you need it. We also provide Fitness Reimbursement and access to wellness programs, ensuring our team stays healthy both physically and mentally.
At Ziff Davis, we remain dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We offer Employee Resource Groups, company-sponsored events, and regular opportunities for professional growth through educational support, mentorship programs, and career development resources. Our employees are recognized and celebrated through employee engagement programs and recognition awards.
If you're seeking a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you can see the direct impact of your performance and thrive both personally and professionally, then ZDNET is the place for you.
Compensation Range
Ziff Davis provides a range for the base pay. Factors that may be used to determine your actual pay may include your specific job related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. This is a union position covered by the NewsGuild of New York (LINK: https://nyguild.org). The contractual salary minimum for this position is $78,000.
Ziff Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Ziff Davis, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has always been about fairness, equal opportunity, and belonging. We are committed to maintaining a safe and professional work environment for all employees.
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