Opinion Editor, The Arizona Republic

USA Today • Phoenix, AZ

7d

About The Position

The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com is seeking a dynamic, creative, and collaborative Opinion Editor to join their Arizona team. This role involves writing and producing compelling opinion columns, crafting impactful video content, and cultivating vibrant social media audiences for opinion journalism. The editor will work closely with columnists, editors, the audience team, and contributors to enrich opinion journalism and featured reader letters. Responsibilities include writing, hosting, producing, editing, and publishing original video segments, overseeing columnists and a Community Advisory Board, and designing and executing innovative content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to maximize reach and spark dialogue on Arizona-relevant topics. The role also involves developing and implementing audience growth strategies using real-time analytics, and serving as a brand ambassador through video standups, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights. Staying current with social trends and platform developments is crucial for keeping content fresh and impactful.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, media production, communications, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-impact opinion columns, editing video, and growing opinion audiences on social platforms.
• Expertise with video creation tools, editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, social platform apps), and opinion journalism best practices.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to rapidly changing news situations while maintaining editorial integrity and creativity.
• Strong understanding of social media algorithms, audience analytics, and engagement strategies, with a passion for local Arizona stories and voices.
• Superior ethics and unwavering standards.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to work collaboratively and independently in a high-paced editorial environment.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to cover stories and capture community perspectives throughout Arizona as needed.
• Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, and weekends, as required by editorial needs and audience engagement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Produce opinion columns, videos, and letters to the editor that engage Arizona audiences and spark conversation.
• Collaborate with contributors to create, edit, and deliver vertical video and multimedia stories that deepen public understanding and interaction with opinion content.
• Engage with readers both online and in-person, sourcing and elevating powerful letters and opinion pieces that reflect the diversity of Arizona's voices.
• Handle sensitive information and sometimes controversial opinions and topics while working with elected officials, candidates and their advocates to ensure The Arizona Republic speaks with authority, without fear or favor.
• Participate in editorial planning meetings, pitching new ideas that integrate opinion journalism, reader letters, and social storytelling.
• Promote The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com brand with strategic, shareable opinion content, driving loyalty and audience growth across Arizona.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level