Opinion Columnist
About The Position
The Tampa Bay Times is seeking a sharp, digitally savvy Opinion Columnist to help shape public conversation across the Tampa Bay region and Florida. This role is designed for a journalist with strong news instincts, compelling storytelling abilities, and a fearless commitment to accountability journalism. The ideal candidate is deeply curious about local and state issues, thrives under deadline pressure, and is motivated to move beyond surface-level narratives to deliver reporting and commentary that informs, challenges, and engages readers. This journalist will produce timely, voice-driven opinion columns while also helping expand audience engagement through digital storytelling, video, social media, newsletters, podcasts, and emerging platforms. This position requires a journalist who is equally comfortable writing quick-turn commentary and pursuing deeper enterprise work. The successful candidate will actively build community relationships and source networks while serving as a visible public-facing voice for the Tampa Bay Times.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of 5 years of professional journalism experience, preferably covering local or state government, politics, public affairs, or community issues
- Exceptional writing, reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills
- Strong understanding of Florida and Tampa Bay news, politics, and community dynamics
- Demonstrated ability to develop sources and produce original enterprise journalism
- Proven ability to work effectively under deadline pressure in a fast-paced newsroom environment
- Comfort appearing on video, audio, social media, and public-facing platforms
- Experience with digital audience engagement and multimedia storytelling strategies
- Strong editorial judgment and commitment to journalistic ethics, accuracy, and fairness
- Ability to adapt quickly between breaking commentary, enterprise reporting, and audience engagement initiatives
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across newsroom teams and platforms
Responsibilities
- Write timely, compelling opinion columns focused primarily on local and state news, politics, government, and public accountability
- Identify and develop original column ideas that drive public conversation and advance meaningful community dialogue
- Cultivate strong relationships with sources, community leaders, elected officials, and residents across the Tampa Bay region
- Report beyond official narratives to uncover deeper context, accountability angles, and underreported issues
- Produce a consistent volume of high-quality commentary under tight deadlines
- Develop a distinct, engaging voice that resonates across multiple audiences and platforms
- Collaborate with newsroom editors, reporters, and audience teams to maximize reach and impact
- Create and participate in digital-first storytelling, including video, social media content, newsletters, live events, podcasts, and other audience engagement initiatives
- Represent the Tampa Bay Times in public forums, community events, and digital spaces as a recognizable voice of the organization
- Monitor local and state news developments closely and respond quickly to emerging stories and trends
- Assist with occasional editing, content coordination, and opinion section workflow support as needed
Stand Out From the Crowd
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
