Deputy Opinion Editor

Date Posted	April 30, 2024
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Politics
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time

Description:

Summary:

The Bay Area News Group is seeking an ambitious journalist looking to help shape public policy in the region and the state as deputy opinion editor for The Mercury News and the East Bay Times. As the Deputy Opinion Page Editor, you will be an integral part of the writing and editing for the print and online opinion sections. This is an opportunity to steer the debate and influence the public discourse with insightful takes on current events and policy issues combined with crisp and persuasive writing. 

Our Opinion Editors have been recognized for some of California’s best editorial and column writing. We have received more than 20 awards since 2010 from the California News Publishers Association and Society of Professional Journalists’ Northern California chapter, and contributed to the East Bay Times coverage on the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting.

What you will do:

• Editorial and column writing; selection and editing of local commentaries and syndicated op-eds; and backreading of letters to the editor

• Advocate for progressive social issues and fiscal responsibility; supporting, policy reform, government transparency, public employee pension reform, environmentally sound state water policy, utility company accountability and privacy respect from the tech industry

• Foster strong relationships with local organizations, thought leaders, activists and community members to help ensure the opinion section is connected with the diverse interests and concerns of the Bay Area

• Serve a savvy, sophisticated audience that includes millions of online readers and hundreds of thousands of people who read our printed newspapers

• Adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards at all times and abide by the newspaper’s written ethics policy; newsroom employees are on the front lines of protecting this newspaper’s credibility

What you will bring:

• 5+ years of experience in a professional newsroom with experience writing opinion and/or editorials preferred but not required. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in journalism or related field

• Strong opinion writing, reporting and editing skills

• Excellent editing ability, including knowledge of AP style

• Thorough knowledge of current events, politics and issues affecting the Bay Area

• Strong understanding of social media and knowledge of how to use it

• Knowledge of analytics and how to use them in digital decision-making

Must be located in the South Bay Area with weekly in-office expectations in San Jose.

Along with your resume, please include a cover letter and 3-5 editorial writing samples.

The annual salary range is 75,000-$80,000. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, MediaNews Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

Who we are:

Bay Area News Group, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, offers news reporting and third party advertising and marketing opportunities through its multi-platform products which include: web, mobile, tablet, and print.  We are one of the largest media groups in the U.S., serving high-value audiences and connecting advertisers to them. MNG publishes award-winning content (49 Pulitzers) that amasses and engages a nationwide audience via 800 multi-media platforms including web, mobile, social, and print.  We are transforming the news industry.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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