Opinion Columnist The Tennessean

Gannett; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessean, part of USA TODAY Network, seeks a sharp, ambitious opinion columnist to lead civic conversation across Nashville, Middle Tennessee and the state. The columnist will produce distinctive, high-impact commentary grounded in facts and sourcing, informing readers and elevating diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities include investigative reporting, rapid response to breaking news, enterprise columns, and collaboration with editors and partners to maximize reach and accountability.

Qualifications

• At least five years of journalism experience with strong commentary and enterprise writing.
• Ability to form clear, defensible arguments backed by facts and reporting.
• Deep knowledge of Nashville, Middle Tennessee or Tennessee, or quick local expertise.
• Strong news judgment and ability to identify issues relevant to local readers.

Responsibilities

• Write compelling, timely opinion columns for Nashville, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee.
• Develop a consistent voice reflecting intellectual honesty, fairness, curiosity and courage.
• Use reporting, data, public records, interviews and lived experience to support arguments.
• Respond quickly to major news events and policy debates with thoughtful analysis.
• Produce enterprise commentary that holds leaders and institutions accountable.
• Build a broad network of sources across government, business, education, faith, nonprofits and civic communities.
• Engage readers through a digital-first approach including newsletters, video and social media.
• Collaborate with editors and network partners to maximize reach and impact.
• Represent the Opinion team professionally in reader conversations and community engagement.

Skills

Opinion writing

Investigative reporting

Sourcing

Civil discourse

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Job description

The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a sharp, ambitious and deeply reported opinion columnist to help lead civic conversation in Nashville, Middle Tennessee and across the state. This columnist will produce distinctive, high-impact commentary that informs readers, challenges assumptions, elevates underheard perspectives and advances The Tennessean's commitment to the First Amendment, civil discourse and a diversity of opinions. The successful candidate will be an authoritative voice on the issues shaping life in Middle Tennessee, from politics, growth and education to culture, equity, business, public safety, accountability and quality of life. This role requires original reporting, strong sourcing, rigorous analysis and a clear point of view grounded in facts. The columnist should be comfortable moving quickly on breaking developments while also developing enterprise columns that bring depth, context and accountability to the public conversation.

Responsibilities

• Write compelling, timely and deeply reported opinion columns that serve readers in Nashville, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee.
• Develop a consistent, recognizable voice that reflects intellectual honesty, fairness, curiosity and courage.
• Use reporting, data, public records, interviews and lived community experience to support persuasive arguments.
• Respond quickly and thoughtfully to major news events, elections, public policy debates and cultural moments.
• Produce enterprise commentary that holds leaders and institutions accountable and helps readers understand complex issues.
• Build and maintain a broad network of sources across government, business, education, faith, nonprofit, neighborhood, arts, sports and civic communities.
• Engage readers through digital-first storytelling, newsletters, video, audio, social media and live or virtual community events.
• Collaborate with editors, audience teams, visual journalists, reporters and USA TODAY Network partners to maximize reach, engagement and impact.
• Represent the Opinion team professionally in reader conversations, public forums and community engagement efforts.
• Adhere to USA TODAY Co. standards for accuracy, fairness, ethics, sourcing, corrections, social media conduct and conflicts of interest.

Requirements

• At least five years of journalism experience, with a strong record of reported commentary, enterprise writing, political or civic journalism, or a closely related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, reporting and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to form clear, defensible arguments supported by facts, context and independent reporting.
• Deep knowledge of Nashville, Middle Tennessee or Tennessee - or a proven ability to quickly develop expertise in a local community.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify issues that matter to local readers and subscribers.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, digital-first newsroom with daily and weekly deadlines.
• Experience using audience data, search insights and social listening to inform coverage decisions without compromising editorial independence.
• Fluency with social media as a reporting, engagement and distribution tool.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams while maintaining an independent, distinctive voice.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience covering local or state politics, public policy, growth and development, education, criminal justice, culture or economic opportunity.
• A track record of columns or essays that drove community conversation, accountability, reader engagement or measurable digital audience growth.
• Experience with newsletters, podcasts, video commentary, live events or other audience-centered formats.
• Ability to write across a range of tones, from urgent analysis to explanatory commentary to reflective civic essays.
• Familiarity with Tennessee's political, cultural and demographic landscape.

About The Tennessean and USA TODAY Co.

The Tennessean is Nashville's leading news organization and a vital source of journalism for Middle Tennessee. As part of USA TODAY Co., The Tennessean contributes to a national network committed to essential journalism, local impact and digital audience growth. The Opinion team seeks to actively influence and improve quality of life in Middle Tennessee by standing for freedom of information, civility, accountability, the voiceless and a broad diversity of viewpoints.