Opinion Editor, The Arizona Republic

USA Today Co.; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arizona Republic is seeking an Opinion Editor to lead compelling opinion columns, video segments, and reader letters across Arizona. You’ll work with columnists, editors, and contributors to amplify opinion journalism and audience engagement.

You will write, host, produce, edit, and publish original video content alongside guest columns and letters, shaping editorial strategy and reader interaction across social platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience producing high-impact opinion columns and growing audiences on social platforms.
• Editing video to accompany opinion content and letters to the editor.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure with editorial integrity and creativity.
• Strong understanding of social media algorithms and audience analytics.

Responsibilities

• Produce opinion columns, videos, and letters to the editor that engage Arizona audiences and spark conversation.
• Collaborate with contributors to create/edit vertical video and multimedia stories.
• Engage with readers online and in-person, elevating letters and opinion pieces reflecting Arizona voices.
• Handle sensitive topics with editorial balance when engaging with officials and advocates.
• Participate in editorial planning meetings and pitch new ideas combining opinion journalism with social storytelling.
• Promote The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com brand with shareable content to drive audience growth.

Skills

Video production

Audience growth

Social media strategy

Editorial collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in journalism or communications

Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

Photoshop

Social media apps

Job description

The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com is seeking a dynamic, creative, and collaborative Opinion Editor to join our Arizona team. In this role, you'll be at the front lines of writing and producing compelling opinion columns, crafting impactful video content, and cultivating vibrant social media audiences for opinion journalism.

Role Overview:

• 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 elevate letters to the editor as part of our engagement strategy.
• Oversee columnists and a Community Advisory Board that serves as a critical conduit between newsroom leaders and readers.
• Design and execute innovative content for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging social media channels to maximize reach and spark dialogue around opinion topics relevant to Arizona.
• 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 the community.
• Stay on top of social trends, platform developments, and new techniques to keep our opinion video content and reader engagement fresh, relevant, and impactful.

Responsibilities:

• 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 both online and in-person, sourcing and elevating powerful letters and opinion pieces that reflect the diversity of Arizona's voices.
• Handle sensitive information and sometimes controversial opinions and topics while working with elected officials, candidates and their advocates to ensure The Arizona Republic speaks with authority, without fear or favor.
• 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, driving 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, editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, social platform apps), and opinion journalism best practices.
• 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.
• Superior ethics and unwavering standards.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to work collaboratively and independently in a high-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 required by editorial needs and audience engagement opportunities.