Opinion Editor And Vice President

The Star Tribune is the Upper Midwest’s largest news organization, with audience numbers consistently in the top five in the country among regional and national peers. Building on an extraordinary legacy that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Star Tribune is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota. It is also a company under transformation – realigning its core purpose for a new age of media consumption through innovative new partnerships, technology strategies, and a refreshed strategic direction. Our company has a new vision to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. We’re looking for dynamic leaders to help create that model. We’re excited to work with people who care about journalism and democracy and are eager to re-invent one of our state’s most trusted companies for a completely new era of growth that embraces new technologies and strategies for excellence.

Job Summary

The Star Tribune Opinion Editor leads the overall direction and day-to-day operations of the editorial department. The editor reports directly to the CEO and publisher and is responsible for leading a team whose goal is to create, solicit and curate compelling opinion pieces on issues that matter to our audience and our state, while also providing well-researched editorials that offer solutions and generate discussion in ways that benefit Minnesota. A deft writer and editor, this leader will have an eye for great content. They will have comfort leading a team that works in several mediums, including video and audio. This leader will have an opportunity to reimagine the structure and focus of the opinion team at a time of significant transformation in our company. Setting a vision with the publisher, the editor will have an expansive view of local and national events, and a keen eye for topics of relevance to Minnesota. A commitment to soliciting and developing commentary pieces from diverse voices across the demographic, political, and geographic spectrum is essential. Success in this leadership role will be defined by driving the most dynamic, engaging, and productive water cooler for opinion content in Minnesota, driving national recognition for our efforts. The editor also serves on the company’s Senior Leadership Team and works closely with senior executives across the company.

Key Accountabilities

• Provides strong leadership to editorial staff by sharing company and journalistic values, instilling a sense of public service, motivating employees to excellence, providing regular feedback, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• Works with the opinion staff to formulate editorial policy positions, discuss community issues that are developing but not yet being written about, and to ensure accuracy of editorials. This involves leading the department’s regular editorial meetings.
• Creates daily editorial schedule; edits daily editorials and provides associated feedback, coaching and advice to editorial writers.
• Participates in interviews with newsmakers, public policy experts and candidates for office.
• Represents the Star Tribune and the opinion team at public events, occasionally speaking or appearing on panels.
• Writes and publishes newsletters.
• Prepares and monitors Editorial Department budget.
• Provides daily guidance to the commentary and letters Editor and team members responsible for social media feeds.
• Occasionally proposes, researches and writes Star Tribune editorials and bylined pieces on a wide range of subjects.
• Serves as lead editor on all Star Tribune Opinion special projects.
• Participates in Senior Leadership Team.
• Work closely with the commentary and engagement director to launch new content and outreach initiatives.

Requirements

• Experience as an editorial writer or equivalent experience in public-policy analysis.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Reporting and editing experience preferred
• Management experience preferred

More about the Star Tribune:

At the Star Tribune, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We go above and beyond to ensure their happiness, growth, and overall well-being. Here is a glimpse into the exceptional benefits we offer:

Modern downtown office with a free fitness center and rooftop patio. Commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness program with financial incentives. Paid time off which includes flexible holidays to honor the preferences of employees, plus one volunteer day and 2 wellness days. 401(k) with company match, parental and caregiving leaves, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance program, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending, and health savings accounts.

Selected in 2023 to Diversity MBA's inaugural list of Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards.

Equal Opportunity Employer

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. The Star Tribune is dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.