Deputy Ideas and Opinions Editor

U.S. News & World Report is a multifaceted digital media company dedicated to helping citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials make important decisions in their lives. We publish independent reporting, rankings, data journalism and advice that has earned the trust of our readers and users for more than 90 years. Our platforms on usnews.com include Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Ideas & Opinions and 360 Reviews.We reach more than 40 million people monthly during moments when they are most in need of expert advice and motivated to act on that advice directly on our platforms. Our signature franchises include our “Best” series of consumer guides on colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, diets, cars, financial services and more. These guides provide an easy-to-digest list for consumers to better understand and compare when making their decisions. We continue to publish annual guides of the authoritative Best Colleges and Best Hospitals rankings on our website and in print. And our U.S. News Live flagship conferences highlight important national conversations including Healthcare of Tomorrow and Healthiest Communities.We believe in having a broad range of talent and backgrounds at U.S. News. We strive to maintain a welcoming workplace where everyone is given an opportunity to succeed and contribute to their fullest. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative. U.S. News empowers everyone to thrive.Your role in helping us shape the future:The Deputy Ideas and Opinions Editor will report to the Ideas and Opinions Editor and work closely with a small but mighty editorial team. Together we will brainstorm for Ideas and Opinions essays related to the day’s news or broader trends; find the right high-level contributors to write compelling or surprising commentaries, critiques and calls to action; review unsolicited contributions and prioritize which to accept and reject; and, most importantly, revise and edit contributions to make them engaging and impactful for our huge general interest audience of 40 million monthly readers, as well as for decision makers in Washington and beyond.Our new Ideas & Opinions section, which soft-launched at the end of April 2024, is a fresh platform for thought leaders, policymakers and people with unique experiences to share their original insights and a wide range of perspectives on the day's news. That includes commentaries and essays on Politics and Policy, Global affairs, Legal issues, Education, Health and Wellness, Technology and Science, the Economy, Culture & Trends.We're looking for an editor who’s on top of the news but is also a creative thinker who can see around corners, predicting ideas, conversations and debates that will captivate the public. We are looking for a resourceful journalist who will have good ideas for thought leaders and experts to write about these issues – and knows how to find them. The right candidate will be skilled in engaging, conversational and clear writing and editing and will be a collaborative, thoughtful and kind co-worker.The Deputy Editor will be instrumental in helping to shape the editorial vision and maintaining the section’s standards of excellence. You can read examples of recent pieces here: https://www.usnews.com/opinion.Are you up to the challenge?• Collaborate in brainstorming, soliciting and developing Ideas and Opinions and outside contributors for our section.• Review and edit submissions to ensure high standards of quality, accuracy, coherence and conversational writing.• Be on top of current events, trends and debates and enthusiastic about pitching new ideas for commentaries, series or special features or projects.• Assist with social media and promotional efforts to increase the section’s visibility and readership.• Collaborate across the newsroom on production, audience development, photo/art illustration, data visualization and other efforts.You should definitely have:• A bachelor’s degree.• At least 7-10 years of experience in reporting or editing news, opinion, or ideas journalism.• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines – particularly balancing short-, medium- and long-term assignments and planning.• Excellent news judgment and the ability to handle sensitive and controversial topics with nuance.• Sharp written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to engage with thought leaders and high-profile writers about structuring and revising their ideas and commentaries.• Demonstrated ability to think critically and engage with complex ideas.• Excellent editing ability, including knowledge of AP style.• Thorough knowledge of current event and politics.• Passion for fostering diverse perspectives and promoting thoughtful discourse.It would be nice if you had:• Experience with social media and audience engagement strategy.• Familiarity with SEO best practices• Experience with CMS and project management platforms.What it’s like to work with us:Talent is our best asset !We invest in people with passion and potential who understand U.S. News’ dedication to our consumers.• Entrepreneurial, mission-driven culture with core values of quality and integrity.• Focus on fostering personal and professional growth.• Competitive benefits including paid vacation time, medical, tuition reimbursement, and training.• Collaborative Work Environment : Fun, diverse, inclusive and ambitious co-workers.Other Job Info:• These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.• U.S. News & World Report strongly encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated (including boosters).• Preference for Washington, DC-based applicants to work a hybrid schedule.• The anticipated base salary for this position is $100,000 to $120,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, interview performance, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.