Deputy / Assistant Opinion Editor

SPH Media Limited; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Straits Times invites an experienced Deputy / Assistant Opinion Editor to shape national conversation on Singapore's political, social, and economic affairs, plus global developments. You will split duties between driving high-impact commentary and overseeing the Forum page, Singapore's public discourse platform.

As a senior member of the Opinion desk, you will commission and edit op-eds, refine arguments for clarity and neutrality, and manage a network of thought leaders.

Qualifications

• Experience in commissioning and editing op-eds and commentary.
• Ability to refine policy and socio-economic arguments into clear, neutral prose.
• Experience using digital publishing analytics to inform editorial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Source, commission, and edit high-quality op-eds and commentary from external contributors.
• Refine complex policy, geopolitical, and socio-economic arguments into clear, engaging prose while maintaining editorial neutrality.
• Build and nurture a diverse network of thought leaders across Asia and globally.
• Utilise analytics to evaluate story performance and optimize content discovery.
• Package Opinion and Forum content for digital platforms with effective headlines and visuals.
• Review daily letter submissions, selecting compelling arguments for print and digital publication.
• Verify claims and ensure Forum letters comply with Singapore’s legal standards.
• Coordinate with agencies and public bodies to publish timely right-of-reply responses.

Skills

Editorial judgment

Commissioning

Editing

Analytical thinking

SEO analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Tools

CMS

Google Analytics

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, analytical, and sharp-minded Deputy / Assistant Opinion Editor to join The Straits Times Opinion desk. This role is pivotal in shaping the national conversation, offering insightful commentary on Singapore’s political, social, and economic affairs, as well as critical global developments.

The successful candidate will split duties between driving high-impact commentary for the Opinion section and overseeing the daily operations of the flagship Forum page — Singapore’s primary platform for public discourse, civic feedback, and institutional responses.

Opinion Development & Editing

• Commissioning & Editing: Source, commission, and edit high-quality op-eds and commentary from external contributors, including academics, policymakers, industry experts, and regional correspondents.
• Editorial Standards: Refine complex policy, geopolitical, and socio-economic arguments into clear, engaging, and persuasive prose while maintaining editorial neutrality and accuracy.
• Pipeline Management: Build and nurture a diverse network of thought leaders and subject-matter experts across Asia and globally.
• SEO & Analytics: Utilise digital publishing analytics to evaluate story performance, inform editorial strategy, and optimize content discovery.
• Multi-Platform Publishing: Package Opinion and Forum content effectively for digital platforms, optimising headlines, and visual assets for audience engagement.

Forum Page Management

• Letter Selection & Curating: Review high-volume daily letter submissions from the public, selecting original, compelling and timely arguments for print and digital publication.
• Fact-Checking & Legal Review: Verify claims made by letter writers, ensuring all published material strictly complies with Singapore’s legal standards.
• Stakeholder & Agency Liaison: Coordinate with organisations, public agencies, and corporate communications teams to publish timely, accurate right-of-reply responses to published Forum letters.