Deputy Editor, Health Payer Specialist

About the role

The Financial Times is one of the world's leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and daring thinking is rewarded. Here, you're given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you'll connect with a diverse community of authorities who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you'll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. This Deputy Editor role within FT Specialist owns the end-to-end production of Health Payer Specialist, driving editorial strategy and execution for a dynamic U.S. health insurance audience. You will report and write authoritative coverage, interpret complex financial documents, and build deep relationships with industry leaders to ensure our journalism remains essential and ahead of the curve. You will also mentor junior staff, refine colleagues' work, and step into leadership when needed to safeguard our editorial standards. Ultimately, you will shape the conversation on health insurance and help the FT maintain its reputation for clarity, depth, and trust.

Key facts

What you'll do

Report and write about approximately four articles per week and at times create video content or other formats, when appropriate.

Show your expertise on the subject matter by writing with clarity, insight and depth for a discerning audience.

Establish and maintain close relationships with insurance executives and their companies to ensure informed, authoritative coverage.

Serve as back-up to the Managing Editor, helping to generate story ideas and shape coverage across the health payer beat.

Travel to industry events and meet with prospects to stay on top of the latest industry trends and emerging risks.

Work with other departments to produce videos, graphics and multimedia elements as necessary for editorial coverage.

On occasion, moderate webcasts or panels at events to facilitate discussion and ensure accurate representation of key issues.

Interpret sophisticated financial documents, including SEC filings and earnings reports, to translate complex data into clear journalism.

Uphold rigorous news judgment and deadline discipline while consistently meeting audience expectations and editorial standards.

Demonstrate high levels of initiative, creativity, and resilience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Act as an editorial leader within a small, high-performing team, contributing to hiring, planning, and workflow decisions.

Ensure all content is accurate, fair, and compliant with FT standards and legal requirements.

Identify new opportunities for coverage and partnerships that enhance the publication's authority and reach.

Continuously develop your own expertise in health insurance to maintain credibility and insight.

Requirements

At least five years' experience in business journalism, ideally covering health insurance or related sectors.

Experience at a daily or wire publication with a focus on breaking news to thrive under pressure.

Strong background of generating scoops and differentiated content for a niche audience.

Editing experience and ability to refine others' work to a high standard.

Ability to interpret financial information, including SEC filings and earnings reports, with confidence.

Strong news judgment, deadline skills, and a deep understanding of audience needs and expectations.

Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to build and maintain industry sources.

High levels of initiative, creativity, and resilience to navigate complex stories and tight deadlines.

A commitment to accuracy, fairness, and transparency in all reporting and editorial decisions.

Understanding of media law, ethics, and compliance relevant to financial and health journalism.

Willingness to travel and adapt to shifting priorities across a fast-moving news environment.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, cross-functional team.

Commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and the FT's editorial values.

Practical notes

This role is covered by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) collective bargaining agreement.

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $99,000-$110,000. To ensure pay fairness, the successful candidate will be offered a salary within the estimated range based on factors including but not limited to skills, experience and training, certifications, and other business and organisational needs. The disclosed range estimate is for our NYC office and has not been adjusted for other locations.

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process.