Opinion Editor

Summary:

The Bay Area Newspaper Group seeks a top-level journalist looking to help shape public policy in the Bay Area and California as part of the team that produces the editorial pages of The Mercury News and the East Bay Times. Specifically, we’re looking for the next Mercury News editorial page editor. That person will be jointly responsible with the East Bay Times editorial page editor for the common content and ideally will bring strong knowledge of the Silicon Valley and South Bay politics for the local content.

It's an opportunity to influence the debate with writing that shines. Our opinion page editors have been recognized for some of California’s best editorial and column writing. They 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 that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting.

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

What you will do:

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

• Research and write editorials and columns; selecting and editing local commentaries and syndicated op-eds; and backreading of letters to the editor. The ideal candidate has well-established journalism experience and is well-versed in Bay Area and California issues

• 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

 What you will bring:

• 5+ years of experience in professional news management roles or high-level reporting. Experience writing opinion and/or editorials preferred

• Strong reporting, writing and editing experience, especially persuasive writing – all of which are essential parts of the job – and a passion for policy, politics and making a difference

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

• Excellent editing ability, including knowledge of AP style

• Thorough knowledge of politics and current events

• Basic knowledge of analytics and social media, including how to use them in digital decision making

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Benefits and Compensation:

The annual salary range is $90,000 - $100,000 plus cell phone and mileage reimbursement. 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:

As the Bay Area's top source for local news, the Bay Area News Group reaches more than 5 million people weekly through a powerful combination of print and digital products. Our publications include The Mercury News serving Silicon Valley and the Peninsula; the East Bay Times serving Oakland, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton and the rest of the East Bay; and more than 20 weekly publications. We connect with a diverse and engaged audience, offering a premiere local news report and comprehensive advertising and marketing solutions across web, mobile and print platforms. The Bay Area News Group is a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, which has 49 Pulitzer Prizes and a nationwide audience, delivering award-winning content across 800 platforms and leading the transformation of the news industry.

“3x Built In Best Places to Work Winner - 2023, 2024 & 2025”

EEO Statement:

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.

How To Apply:

• Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here https://myworkdaycenter.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/MNG/job/San-Jose-California/Deputy-Opinion-Editor_R2020. Along with your resume, please include a cover letter and 3-5 editorial writing samples

Closing Date:

• Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment: 

• A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation

• Travel – This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, training sessions, and/or in-person meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed

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