Opinion Editor

Job Summary

The San Francisco Standard is seeking an experienced and creative editor to lead our opinion section, an arena for debate, new ideas and counterintuitive thinking about the city and society. As the editor of this section, you will have an incredible opportunity to shape the identity and set the agenda for one of fastest-growing news brands in media.

You will help develop an op-ed section that lives across multiple mediums and platforms, from traditional text to video, social media, in-person events and more. You will be responsible for curating a diverse range of viewpoints, keeping abreast of current events and trends, interacting with our audience and creating a respectful platform for thought-provoking discussions on a range of local and national topics.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of key issues and trends in San Francisco and the Bay Area, a keen eye for compelling writing, a knack for recruiting dynamic and high-profile authors, and a renegade spirit. You must possess exceptional editorial skills and have a proven track record of working amicably and effectively with a wide variety of authors in a deadline-driven environment.

This is a full-time, in-office position.

Responsibilities

• Editorial Strategy: In conjunction with key leadership, develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the opinion section, aligning with The Standard's overall vision and values.
• Content Curation: Commission and solicit relevant, engaging and thought-provoking opinion pieces from a constellation of sources to be published across The Standard's multiple channels.
• Contributor Management: Recruit, guide, and manage a team of opinion writers, recurring columnists and other contributors. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to enhance their skills and ensure timely, high-quality content.
• Editing and Proofreading: Edit opinion content for clarity, coherence, accuracy and adherence to The Standard's editorial standards. Ensure all content is error-free and avoids real and perceived conflicts of interest.
• Fact-Checking: Conduct thorough fact-checking of opinion pieces, verifying the accuracy of data, statistics and claims made by writers.
• Diversity of Thought: Foster a diverse range of viewpoints, ensuring that the opinion section represents a broad spectrum of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds.
• Current Affairs Analysis: Stay up-to-date with current events, political developments and societal trends. Commission timely and insightful pieces that keep The Standard's audience on the cutting edge of new conversations.
• Collaborative Engagement: Collaborate with other departments, such as our video and social media teams, to coordinate opinion content with the overall editorial calendar and ensure a cohesive reader experience.
• Opinion Content Presentation: Work closely with the design team to create visually appealing illustrations and reader-friendly layouts that help readers distinguish news from opinion content across multiple platforms.
• Reader Engagement: Engage with readers by actively encouraging feedback, responding to inquiries and fostering a vibrant online community around opinion content.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of proven experience as an editor, preferably with some of that in the opinion section of a reputable newspaper or media organization.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a strong command of grammar, AP style and journalistic ethics. Deep understanding of current affairs, political landscapes and societal trends.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with writers, colleagues and readers.
• Keen eye for identifying compelling opinion pieces and emerging trends in the media landscape.
• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, e-mail newsletters, audience engagement best practices and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and more.
• Understanding of digital audience metrics and measurement techniques and a passion for data-driven insights.

If you are a seasoned editor with a passion for insightful commentary, a commitment to journalistic integrity and a drive to shape public discourse, we invite you to apply. Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact through the power of opinion journalism.

The pay range for this role is $130,000-190,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate.