Deputy Ideas and Opinions Editor

$100,000 - $120,000/Yr

U.S. News & World Report - Washington, DC

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

Publishing Industries

About the position

U.S. News & World Report is seeking a Deputy Ideas and Opinions Editor to join our dynamic editorial team. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our Ideas & Opinions section, which serves as a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and individuals with unique experiences to share their insights on current events and broader trends. The Deputy Editor will report directly to the Ideas and Opinions Editor and will collaborate closely with a small, dedicated team to brainstorm and develop compelling essays and commentaries that resonate with our audience of 40 million monthly readers. In this position, you will be responsible for identifying and engaging high-level contributors to write thought-provoking pieces on a variety of topics, including politics, global affairs, education, health, technology, and culture. You will review unsolicited contributions, making critical decisions on which pieces to accept or reject, and will play a key role in revising and editing submissions to ensure they are engaging, impactful, and meet our high standards of quality. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of current events and trends, along with the creativity to predict and pitch ideas that will captivate our audience. The Deputy Editor will also assist in promoting the Ideas & Opinions section through social media and other channels, working collaboratively across the newsroom to enhance visibility and readership. This role requires a resourceful journalist with strong writing and editing skills, who is not only a team player but also a thoughtful and kind colleague. You will be instrumental in maintaining the section's editorial vision and standards of excellence, contributing to a welcoming workplace that values diverse perspectives and fosters thoughtful discourse.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in brainstorming, soliciting and developing Ideas and Opinions and outside contributors for our section.
• Review and edit submissions to ensure high standards of quality, accuracy, coherence and conversational writing.
• Stay updated on current events, trends and debates, and pitch new ideas for commentaries, series or special features.
• Assist with social media and promotional efforts to increase the section's visibility and readership.
• Collaborate across the newsroom on production, audience development, photo/art illustration, data visualization and other efforts.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in reporting or editing news, opinion, or ideas journalism.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent news judgment and the ability to handle sensitive and controversial topics with nuance.
• Sharp written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and engage with complex ideas.
• Excellent editing ability, including knowledge of AP style.
• Thorough knowledge of current events and politics.
• Passion for fostering diverse perspectives and promoting thoughtful discourse.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with social media and audience engagement strategy.
• Familiarity with SEO best practices.
• Experience with CMS and project management platforms.

Benefits

• Paid vacation time
• Medical insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training opportunities