Fellow, Opinion Copy Editor

The New York Times•New York, NY

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New York Times is hiring a copy editor for the Opinion section as part of its 2027 Fellowship class. Copy editors are the final editorial check before publication of Opinion columnists, contributors and guest essayists. They check grammar, spelling, style and standards, and help ensure that stories’ arguments, logic, style and tone are sound while preserving writers’ distinct viewpoints and voices. The role requires collaboration with story editors and fact-checkers, editorial judgment, digital experience and openness to working on stories from all points of view and across media. This is an in-office position in New York, with regular attendance four days per week and possible remote-work flexibility in accordance with departmental guidance. Some nights, weekends and holidays may be required. Finalists must take an editing test. The fellowship is expected to begin on or about June 7, 2027, and end on May 26, 2028, subject to satisfactory performance; completion does not guarantee a full-time position. The role is represented by the NewsGuild of New York. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

No more than five years of full-time professional journalism experience, excluding internships.
Experience editing articles, essays or scripts for publication.
Experience working on firm deadlines.
Experience with copy editing and making editorial judgment calls.
Ability to work collaboratively with story editors and fact-checkers.
Digital experience and enthusiasm for Opinion’s daily report.
Openness to working on stories from all points of view and copy for any medium.
Comfort raising potential concerns about standards and taste, and good judgment about when to push back on edits made by more senior colleagues.
Authorization to work in the United States; the employer will not sponsor work visas. Applicants may be considered with valid work authorization or a valid student visa that can be extended with Optional Practical Training.
Submit a résumé and cover letter and complete an editing test if selected as a finalist.

Nice To Haves

A record of multiple journalism internships, or equivalent experience.
Comfort with a wide range of subject matter, from politics to science and culture.
Familiarity with content management systems and transcription tools.

Responsibilities

Copy edit story text, headlines, captions and other display copy, improving articles at the sentence level for clarity.
Ensure accuracy and consistency across editorials, guest essays and columns.
Polish, format and quality-check podcast transcripts, graphics and video elements.
Respond to changing priorities and demands based on department needs and the news cycle.
Participate in training and social programs designed for the fellowship.
Support and understand the value of journalistic independence and demonstrate a strong commitment to seeking the truth and helping people understand the world.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock, depending on role.
Medical, dental and vision benefits may be available.
Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s) may be available.
Company-matching 401(k) plan.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Paid vacation.
Paid sick days.
Paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
Professional development programs.