Star Tribune seeks a commentary & engagement director

As a leader in the Star Tribune Opinion team, you’ll work closely with the other members of the team to identify key issues in Minnesota and actively recruit commentary contributors who can illuminate the state’s challenges and opportunities. You’ll also write columns about those issues, reflecting community perspectives and highlighting trends in public discourse in our state and region. Your work with readers will help the Editorial Board identify topics of high reader interest in Minnesota.  The successful candidate will also work with our head of culture and community to engage diverse audiences across the state. You’ll be a key part of events and reader listening sessions, sometimes serving as host on behalf of the Star Tribune. You’ll report to the Editorial Page Editor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively engage with our readership, both online and offline, to identify critical and timely issues in Minnesota.
• Spearhead the development of a collection of commentary writers who share viewpoints on the state with regular frequency in their areas of their expertise.
•  Lead regular special commentary projects modeled after the “Where does Minnesota go from here?” initiative launched in spring 2023.
• Write regular bylined pieces and newsletter contributions that invite reader participation, reflect on reader feedback from events and forums, and consistently elevate new and diverse voices.
• Represent the Star Tribune on social media and find new channels to communicate with our audience in various mediums.
• Participate in and sometimes convene and lead community events, forums, and discussions to build stronger relationships with our diverse audience across the state.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the political, social, and demographic landscape of our state to ensure fair representation in our opinion work.
•  Help the Star Tribune Opinion team ensure that our report includes diverse voices and viewpoints, with a nonpartisan approach at the foundation of what we do.

Qualifications:

•  A bachelor’s degree
• Strong background in journalism, with at least 5 years of experience in reporting, editing, or a similar role.
• Exceptional communication and writing skills.
• Strong understanding of publishing standards and reader expectations.
• A spirit and track record of collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to engage with audiences across political and demographic spectrums.
• A deep commitment to journalistic ethics and editorial integrity.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse communities.
• A passion for the mission of journalism and a drive to enhance the quality of our coverage.

Pay: Annual pay is based on the Star Tribune’s Newspaper & Communications Guild contract.

To apply: Upload a resume and a memo outlining how you would approach the job, along with a link to your work portfolio.

For further details click here.