Deputy Opinion Editor

Summary: The Bay Area Newspaper Group is seeking an ambitious opinion journalist seeking to shape public policy in the Bay Area and California as deputy opinion editor for The East Bay Times and The Mercury News. It's an opportunity to steer the debate and influence the public discourse with insightful takes on current events and policy issues combined with crisp and persuasive writing. Our opinion editors have been recognized for some of California ’s best editorial and column writi ng. 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 co verage that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting.
In our editorials, we generally 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. Please note, the role is based in the East Bay, specifically in the Oakland or Concord office and candidates must live in or be willing to relocate to Alameda or Contra Costa County without relocation assistance.
What you will do:

• Write editorials and opinion columns

• Edit local commentary submissions and syndicated op-eds

• Perform backreading of letters to the editor

• Display a passion for policy, politics, and making a difference

• Show intellectual curiosity and an ability to come up with actionable proposals to address the region’s and state’s most pressing challenges

• Analyze a wide range of policies (e.g. education, crime, taxation, land use, housing, transportation) that span municipal, county, regional, state and national layers of government

What you will bring:

• Five or more years of experience in a professional newsroom with experience writing opinion and/or editorials preferred but not required

• Bachelor’s degree

• Excellent editing ability, including knowledge of AP style

• Knowledge of Bay Area, state, national and global current events

• Experience analyzing public policy and interviewing political candidates

• Reporting, opinion writing and editing experience

• Familiarity with Bay Area, particularly East Bay, and California issues would be a strong asset

Benefits and Compensation: The salary range is $80,000 - $85,000 + cell stipend. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information:
Who we are: As the Bay Area's top source for local news, the Bay Area News Group reaches m ore than 5 million people weekly through a powerful combination of print and digital p roducts . 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 a ward-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 [link should be included] . Along with your resume, please include a 600-word cover letter articulating why you are qualified for the position and five published writing samples that showcase your best work.

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, in-person training sessions and/or meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed

• Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours