Deputy Ideas Editor

Job Description

Deputy Ideas Editor

Job Description:

Boston Globe Opinion is looking to hire a deputy editor for Ideas, its standalone, eight-page section of reported articles, essays, commentary, and interviews about politics, culture, social change, education, science, and technology. 

The deputy Ideas editor collaborates with the Ideas editor, an associate editor, and the Ideas staff writer to identify stories worth pursuing; recruit and commission freelance contributors; and edit articles from outside contributors and Globe opinion writers. Ambition will be encouraged: We want this editor to regularly produce the kinds of thoughtful, needle-moving, surprising, and delightful 2,000-word pieces that can grace the section cover. Leadership is also part of the job: When the Ideas editor is away, the deputy will oversee the section.

Responsibilities:

• Be capable of handling all the basic responsibilities involved in producing the weekly section online and in print.

• Evaluate incoming pitches with an eye to what will surprise, delight, and enlighten readers, while provoking unconventional thinking and engaging debates.

• Generate nuanced, thoughtful, timely ideas of their own.

• Find and cultivate compelling writers and commission pieces from them.

• Work closely with those writers through initial concepts, first drafts, revisions, and final digital and print production. 

• Write sharp, alluring headlines and social copy.

• Imagine and work with digital editors to produce multimedia versions of our essays, including short video, quizzes, and animation.

• Contribute to live events involving our writers.

• Oversee production of the section when the Ideas editor is away. 

Qualifications: 

• At least seven years of journalism experience and the highest standards for accuracy, fairness, and depth of reporting.

• Experience working with writers, particularly freelancers.

• The candidate should have produced — either as a writer, editor, or both — columns or stories that blend reporting and original arguments/commentary. 

• An understanding of how opinion journalism differs from news reporting and writing. 

• An openness to working with multimedia editors on audio. video, graphics, and social media. 

• Relationships with a diverse network of writers and sources will be considered a plus. So will experience covering science, technology, business, or culture, though it is not required. 

• A commitment to bringing a broad spectrum of voices into the section, including from writers whose points of view the editor might not agree with.

• A willingness to adapt and be audience focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment 

The BGMP office is located in downtown Boston, near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and is easily accessible by MBTA and commuter rail lines. This position is based in Boston, and candidates should be based in the area or willing to move.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

EEO Statement: At Boston Globe Media, our mission is to empower, connect, and convene our communities with independent, trusted journalism and storytelling. We know a critical part of achieving this is by having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. Boston Globe Media is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates and colleagues of all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills.

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