Editor of Opinion and Community Engagement 

Overview: 

The Houston Chronicle and Hearst, the largest local media company in Texas is seeking a dynamic leader for its Editor of Opinion and Community Engagement to lead our Pulitzer Prize-winning Opinion team. This innovative role demands a visionary, digital leader. This position will be central to fostering informed public conversation by nurturing a team of skilled, relevant contributors, curating diverse viewpoints and engaging readers. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who has a strong commitment to driving meaningful conversations on issues that drive Texas.

As the Editor of Opinion and Community Engagement you will be responsible for overseeing the development, curation, and publication of insightful, diverse commentary. You will play a central role in ensuring that our editorial voice remains influential, relevant, and reflective of our core values: integrity, inclusivity, and boldness in thought. This role demands a blend of editorial expertise, a passion for current affairs and the ability to guide writers in producing powerful, opinion-driven content.

The ideal leader will have an exceptional understanding of engaging audiences in a digital environment and have a passion for leading teams through transformative change.  

This leader will have an opportunity to reimagine the focus, structure, and direction of the opinion team, including establishing a consortium of “Texas voices,” with a multimedia first vision, improving reach into current and new audiences. 

Success in this leadership role will be defined by ensuring dynamic content from diverse voices that drive and engage our audiences, strives to drive conversation and solutions for Houstonians and Texans. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute an editorial strategy for opinion content that aligns with the company’s mission and goals. You will help develop opinion content across multiple mediums and platforms, from text to video, social media, in-person events and more. Creates and leads daily editorial schedule, publication of newsletters, video, and social interaction. Ability to understand analytics to reshape print and digital schedules to improve engagement.  Exceptional writer/editor Foster a robust network of contributors and thought leaders to maintain a diverse range of perspectives. Ability to recruit local and topic authors with diverse and fresh perspectives and backgrounds to engage current and new audiences.  The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of key issues and trends in Houston, the State of Texas and how that intersects with national conversations and topics. Stays abreast of local, state, and national current events and trends; interacts with our audience and creates a respectful platform for thought-provoking discussions on various regional and national topics. Collaborate with writers, both in-house and contributors; refining their voice and viewpoints; offers constructive feedback and guidance, which elevates their work while maintaining the unique voice of each contributor. Ensure all content adheres to legal and ethical standards, maintaining the company’s integrity and reputation. Work closely with other editorial departments to align content strategies and initiatives. Understand and utilize data to refine strategies and optimize content reach. Emphasis on talking with readers being the home/place for conversation and debate. Must be a strong coach and mentor to lead community contributors who can author thought provoking and engaging commentary on life in Houston and the state of Texas. Participates in interviews with newsmakers, public policy experts and candidates for office. Represents the Houston Chronicle and the opinion team at public events, speaking or appearing on panels; offers commentary and opinion on other local and national media brands. Provides daily guidance to the commentary and letters editor and team members responsible for social media feeds. Active member of the Houston Chronicle Senior Leadership Team.  Strong Collaborator - can work closely with other departments, including video, social media, audience, and events; setting strategy to launch new content and outreach initiatives.  Engage with the public, readers, and users – by encouraging feedback and fostering a dynamic and vibrant online community around opinion content.
 

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, or a related field. Proven editorial experience, particularly in opinion content. Strong writing, editing, and analytical skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong ability to lead conversations through multiple media platforms:  Text, Video, Audio, Social Platforms, In person Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with digital content management systems and data analytics tools.

 

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands.  Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston.  All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

WHAT WE OFFER:

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Houston Chronicle. Our business is growing and transforming every day.  Advertisers are partnering with us to help them navigate new marketing strategies in today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Simply put, the Houston Chronicle is a media company that uses its rich history and data to deliver the most impactful media campaigns for our customers. We leverage our substantial audience reach, coupled with best in class advertising solutions to keep our customer’s brand in front of the right people at the right time.

 Why are we different? Our people! Our company is diverse and filled with smart, passionate people who want to make a difference in their community, regardless of the role they play in the company. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment and expect our people to challenge the norm.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. 

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.  

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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