Opinion Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Alaska, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Establish the editorial vision and strategy for USA TODAY Opinion, ensuring alignment with our mission, ethical guidelines, audience needs, and civic responsibilities.

• Uphold the highest standards for accuracy, fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal and ethical norms in opinion journalism.

• Lead and nurture editors, writers, and contributors, fostering a culture of excellence, diverse viewpoints, and ongoing development.

• Represent USA TODAY Opinion both internally and externally, including participation at industry events and public discussions.

• Craft a unique opinion report grounded in factual information, strong reporting, and distinct viewpoints.

• Determine coverage priorities across timely commentary, explanatory opinion pieces, and critical national debates.

• Oversee USA TODAY Opinion's initiatives with AI tools, establishing contributor guidelines for AI-generated and AI-assisted content, testing potential applications, and contributing to organization-wide policy in this swiftly changing field.

• Collaborate across the USA TODAY Network to enhance standards, highlight strong local voices, and broaden the reach and influence of opinion journalism.

• Work closely with Product, Audience, Brand, and Multimedia teams to advance the presentation, distribution, and experience of opinion content.

• Utilize audience insights to refine strategy, enhance engagement, drive subscription conversion and retention, and build loyalty.

• This position has the final authority on editorial decisions, framing, and promotion, and is responsible for the roadmap of opinion products (including digital packages, newsletters, podcasts, video series, live events, etc.).

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience in leading opinion journalism at a prominent media organization.

• Exceptional editorial judgment and a thorough understanding of ethics, libel, and publishing standards.

• Proven ability to craft a clear editorial voice while managing a diverse array of perspectives.

• Strong skills in editing, writing, and mentoring.

• Deep dedication to sourcing, reporting, and rigor in opinion journalism.

• Ability to lead effectively within a large, dispersed newsroom.

• A history of digital innovation and audience growth in opinion or commentary.

• Experience across both print and digital formats (including newsletters, social media, podcasts, and video), along with a willingness to leverage data to guide audience decisions and ongoing experimentation.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Access to cutting-edge tools and technology in journalism.