Head of Public Discourse

Chicago Sun-Times•Chicago, IL

9d•$145,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Chicago Sun-Times (CSTM), part of Chicago Public Media, is seeking an experienced and innovative editor to lead and expand its strategy for public discourse and community perspectives. The role builds on the newsroom’s legacy of distinctive, trusted voices and is responsible for defining the strategy, commissioning and editing commentary, developing staff columnists and contributors, and broadening the range of Chicago perspectives represented across digital, audio, and print platforms. The Head of Public Discourse will also experiment with new ways to share and exchange commentary, including newsletters, social video, and web displays, and help reporters build recognizable brands and authority in their areas of expertise. Chicago Public Media is a nonprofit news organization that reaches more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. Its staff includes approximately 250 professionals, and its newsroom is supported by nearly 97,000 members. The organization describes its mission as serving the public interest through diverse content that informs and enriches the community, and its work is grounded in independent, objective, fact-based journalism.

Requirements

Five or more years of editing, commentary, or journalism experience.
Demonstrated commitment to journalistic ethics and inclusive coverage.
Excellent news judgment and editing skills.
Strong understanding of Chicago, its communities, and the issues shaping the region.
Demonstrated ability to develop journalists’ voices, expertise, and public-facing authority on multiple platforms.
Experience developing writers and working with a wide range of contributors and perspectives.
Ability to shape compelling, audience-focused content across platforms.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, digital media, public affairs, or a related field preferred.
Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Sun-Times’ public discourse strategy, ensuring it reflects the breadth of Chicago and advances the organization’s editorial standards and public-service mission.
Recruit, commission, and edit staff writers, freelance contributors, community voices, and subject-matter experts.
Coach reporters and columnists to develop clear, distinctive points of view and deepen their authority on the issues and communities they cover.
Develop recognizable staff voices that build trust and give readers reasons to return across platforms.
Work with reporters to identify opportunities for their expertise to reach audiences through columns, newsletters, social media, video, events, and other formats.
Partner with newsroom, audience, visual, and product teams to identify the strongest formats, platforms, and presentation for opinion content.
Maintain high standards for accuracy, fairness, clarity, and ethical journalism.