Opinion Editor, The Arizona Republic

Overview

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with national and local reach, dedicated to empowering communities and delivering trusted journalism and digital marketing solutions. The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com is seeking a dynamic, creative, and collaborative Opinion Editor to join our Arizona team. In this role, you will lead in writing and producing compelling opinion columns, crafting video content, and cultivating vibrant social media audiences for opinion journalism.
Responsibilities

Work closely with columnists, editors, the audience team, and contributors to enrich and amplify opinion journalism and featured reader letters for Arizonans.
Write, host, produce, edit, and publish original video segments that enhance opinion columns, guest columns, and letters to the editor as part of our engagement strategy.
Oversee columnists and a Community Advisory Board that connects newsroom leadership with readers.
Design and execute innovative content for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging social channels to maximize reach and spark dialogue around Arizona opinion topics.
Develop and implement audience growth strategies using real-time analytics to expand and retain viewership and readership of opinion content.
Serve as a visible brand ambassador for The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com, delivering video standups, interviews with columnists, and behind-the-scenes insights from the newsroom or community.
Stay on top of social trends, platform developments, and new techniques to keep opinion video content and reader engagement fresh, relevant, and impactful.
Responsibilities (Editorial Operations)

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 online and in-person, sourcing and elevating powerful letters and opinion pieces reflecting Arizona's diverse voices.
Handle sensitive information and controversial topics while working with elected officials, candidates, and their advocates to ensure The Arizona Republic speaks with authority, without fear or bias.
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 to drive loyalty and audience growth across Arizona.
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 and editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, social platform apps) and best practices in opinion journalism.
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.
Strong ethics and high professional standards.
Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-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 editorial needs and opportunities require.
Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, include a resume and a cover letter outlining your approach to the job. Assemble these items into a single document in PDF format for submission.
About

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on any protected basis. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation should contact Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.

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