Opinion Editor

Job Description

The Capital Times, a long-established source of local news and opinion, is looking for a civic force — a writer, editor, and community connector — who can shape conversation in Madison, Wisconsin: one of America’s most engaged cities. This isn’t a desk job; it’s a calling for someone who will come to know Madison inside and out, from the Capitol to city hall to neighborhoods to coffee shops, and can channel its energy into bold, relevant and local opinion journalism.

The Cap Times (and captimes.com) has a long history of taking progressive stances, but the Opinion Editor will convene a diverse array of voices, spark debate, question conventional wisdom, and challenge readers to think differently about what Madison is and what it’s becoming.

We’re seeking a dynamic leader with political and media savvy, someone who relishes being out in the community as much as writing and editing for it. The right candidate is equal parts writer, editor and bridge-builder — comfortable interviewing policymakers one day and elevating everyday voices the next. This is an opportunity to redefine what local opinion journalism can be: fearless, surprising, deeply informed, and always rooted in Madison’s civic life.

Benefits offered include medical, dental and vision insurance; company-paid life and long-term disability insurance; company matched 401(k); employee assistance program; and paid time off, sick and holiday time.

Pre-employment background and drug screenings apply.

The Cap Times is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a workforce that accurately reflects our audience and expands our voice. Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
 

Job Requirements

Key responsibilities include:

• Regularly engaging with local newsmakers, readers and community groups at networking events, editorial board meetings, one-on-one coffees and more.
• Writing and editing editorials and columns as needed. Editorials reflect views of the editorial board and are written by more than one person.
• Recruiting expert and community guest columnists to deepen and diversify the local civic conversation.
• Continuously evaluating and improving Cap Times opinion content for best audience reach/engagement on all platforms including social, desktop and mobile sites, email newsletters and print.
• Setting and reinforcing standards for accuracy, fairness and decency in all published opinion content.
• Partnering with the opinion staff and the publisher to organize editorial board meetings and other engagement events. This includes recruiting high-interest guest speakers and helping to select topics for Cap Times Idea Fest, our annual signature festival.
• Overseeing an opinion content manager skilled at editing letters, columns and editorials.

Required skills and experience:

• Commitment to pursuing opinion journalism with an open mind, treating sources and others with respect, and reflecting Madison’s diverse population.
• At least five years of professional experience in a news operation, including leadership experience.
• Experience and skill in public speaking.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field.
• Experience with writing tools, such as Google Documents or Microsoft Word, and data analysis tools, such as Google Spreadsheets or Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with and sensitivity to AI ethical concerns.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
   

Preferred skills/experience:

• Experience organizing public forums and other engagement events.
• Experience using social media, audience metrics or other tools to inform content decisions.

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