Op-Ed Editor
Hearst Newspapers
Houston, TXThis was removed by the employer on 1/17/2023 8:16:00 AM PST
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Full Time Job
Op-Ed Editor
The Houston Chronicle seeks an outgoing op-ed editor on a mission to bring in contributors who have timely messages and who can grab the attention of our audience. We want an editor who relentlessly builds our audience by finding ways to get voices – particularly local ones -- out into the public sphere; an editor with respect for ideological viewpoints different than their own; and an editor who is committed to the craft of persuasion through clear argumentation, first-person narrative, evidence or other means. The job is not merely to put a diverse range of perspectives in dialogue, it is to do it in a way that builds community, turns the levers of government or inspires change.
Through enterprising op-eds, essays, videos, columns and editorials by our Pulitzer Prize-winning board, the Houston Chronicle's opinion team helps readers make sense of the world – our current moment as well as our history and contemplations about our future – so they can act on what they read, cast informed votes and hold elected officials accountable.
We're looking for a forward-thinking editor and writer who understands the power of story, how it can cut through the noise and hype to illuminate problems, move minds and stir readers. Whether focused on a hurricane's aftermath or the process of gerrymandering, the ideal candidate can show confidence and authority as well as flare, whimsy or even humor -- both in their own written work and pieces they have edited. The op-ed editor must publish pieces that pull readers in at the headline and first paragraph, and then hold them. Great op-eds make the complicated clear and the abstract real.
The ideal candidate is curious, skeptical but never jaded, believing that progress and persuasion are possible even in the most vexing areas of public policy. They understand the science of persuasion, that the best way to connect with readers who disagree is to draw a bigger circle, not a smaller one. If you prefer to publish work that preaches to the choir rather than dueling for the souls of converts, this isn't the job for you.
Our opinion journalism is informed by facts, documents, observed scenes and perspectives from many sources -- not biases or preconceived notions. Our approach is wed to no ideology or partisan organization.
We want someone who seeks out the most urgent voices, a builder of trusted sources, an original thinker, a versatile journalist steeped in the tools and mindset of digital-first journalism, able to ace a quick-turn op-ed off a breaking news development and then engage with readers on the piece via social media. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment where multi-tasking and planning ahead are crucial.
This is not an entry-level position. Strong applicants have at least 5 years of experience as a journalist, broad interests, and the collaborative skills of a team player. They should be comfortable on camera, hosting a town hall or candidate debate. The board regularly hosts meetings with community leaders, public officials and advocates. We interview scores of candidates and make recommendations in each election cycle. Engagement and outreach with our readers and our community are vital parts of this job, and the op-ed editor is expected to embrace the power of social media.
Our opinion team is led by a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Opinion Editor Lisa Falkenberg, a former metro columnist who is passionate about giving writers both the space and intense editing they need to grow, innovate, and always find meaning in the vital journalism we produce. The op-ed editor reports to Deputy Opinion Editor Raj Mankad, who previously served as the Chronicle's op-ed editor and who won the 2021 Texas APME first place in general column writing. The op-ed editor is expected to observe the highest standards in ethics, professional integrity and mature dialogue across social media platforms and elsewhere.
Just as Houston is diverse, so is the team you'll be joining. Fluency in Spanish is a plus and we especially encourage women and persons of color to apply. We firmly believe that our board should make every effort to reflect the vast range of perspectives in our city.
Houston is arguably the greatest news town in America, a microcosm of urgent national issues from immigration to climate change, and a proving ground for America's demographic destiny. It's also a fun city, with lush, sprawling parks, lower-than-expected cost of living, a nationally recognized culinary mecca, four major league sports teams, and endless cultural offerings including museums, opera, theater, ballet and the symphony. It's a center of the space industry and a 45-minute drive to the beach.
Pay is competitive for a large market and Hearst Corp., a private, family-owned company, offers excellent benefits. If you're interested in joining our team, please send the following materials to Krista.reyna@hearst.com: a resume, three samples of your writing, three samples of work you have edited, a one-page cover letter telling us what you could bring to our board, and the names and contacts of three references.
As part of its continued efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees, Hearst Newspapers requires that all employees who receive a written offer of employment to be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against the coronavirus by the first day of employment as a condition of employment, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Hearst Newspapers will consider requests for reasonable accommodations on an individual basis in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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