The Seattle Times, a family-owned news organization and one of the nation’s premier regional news sources, is looking for a passionate Editorial Writer to spearhead conversation about the Save the Free Press Initiative. As a member of the Opinion staff, you will provide a strong voice on current Free Press media issues especially as they relate to the Puget Sound region and Washington state. You will be part of an initiative to create a “Save the Free Press Movement” with both a local and national focus. We’re looking for a writer who thoughtfully contributes to Editorial page edits and produces a regular column addressing this important subject. By focusing our reader’s attention on underlying problems and possible causes, you should be comfortable probing these issues and suggesting sophisticated solutions.

You will report to the Publisher, with dotted lines to the Editorial Page Editor and Sr. VP of Public Service.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to Editorial page edits as the resident expert on our Save the Free Press Initiative.
• Develop unique personal column ideas and write monthly (or bi-monthly) column on current and urgent media issues. Consider and propose insightful, persuasive solutions.
• Drive public engagement and conversation among readers.
• Serve as a conversation-starter, with creative and fresh angles on significant views.
• Research and consult for Public Service Voice.
• Maintain a monthly quarterly page summary on the State of the Free Press.
• Propose and maintain monthly Free Press data page with visual data.
• Make policy recommendations while weaving in self-generated research in thought-provoking ways.
• Continuously sharpen digital skillset to enhance The Seattle Times’ online presence while leveraging social media.

Qualifications

• Experience: Five years of reporting or writing experience, preferably as part of an Opinion team at a daily newspaper/website or as Investigative journalist.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism (or related field), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven social-media skills, with ability to use Twitter, Facebook, Reddit and other social media networks to reach new audiences and develop deeper relationships with existing audiences.
• Ability to research deeply, analyzing large data sets, with an eye for understanding
• Ability to meet deadlines while responding quickly to the news of the day.
• Mastery of digital tools in journalism.
• Should be able to collegially debate issues with colleagues.
• Ability to cultivate news sources.
• Must understand and uphold the standards, ethics and mission of journalism at The Seattle Times, regardless of platform.
• Must have the ability to analyze facts and make judgments about relevance, newsworthiness, fairness, etc., under pressure while on deadline.

Apply at https://seattletimes.applytojob.com/apply/IvGZnfnWxz/Editorial-Writer-Free-Press?source=SAJA