The Detroit News/detroitnews.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a thoughtful, provocative columnist with a conservative mindset to opine on political matters of most significance to all Michiganians. We’re looking for a full-time political columnist who will be develop sources throughout the state, but particularly in the state Capitol and outstate Michigan. You will produce two to three columns per week and break news on issues top of mind to Michiganians, whether in a small community or of statewide concern. This position will serve as a member of the Detroit News editorial board and should have the ability and willingness to produce content that helps sustain the newspaper's position as Michigan's conservative voice. The News serves Metro Detroit, the nation’s 16th largest metro area with 4.5 million people in a state of about 10 million. It’s home to the Detroit Three automakers and home mortgage industries. We’re looking for someone to better cover and opine on the issues that are top of mind in the more conservative outstate areas of Michigan and brewing in the legislature, especially during this key election cycle.
Responsibilities:
- Report and write must-read opinion columns on Michigan politics and public policy from Lansing or wherever there is an important story or issue to elevate for public debate.
- Develop sources and willing to take sides and offer opinions in a highly fractured political environment.
- Collaborate with existing staff of The Detroit News to break big stories that turn heads and generate engaged readership.
- Participate in multimedia opinion content, whether they be individual videos, interviews, explainers or podcasts
- Uphold The Detroit News’ editorial and ethical standards, ensuring all content is accurate and respectful.
Qualifications:
Proven experience in opinion journalism, editing or commentary, with a strong understanding of public policy and Michigan political history.
- Strong command of grammar and style.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across the news and opinion teams.
- Excellent editorial judgment and a commitment to civil discourse.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with fluency in digital publishing tools and taking the story to where readers are.
- Comfort with social media including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
- Familiarity with video production workflows and a willingness to appear on camera.
- Ability to analyze audience data and adapt content strategies accordingly. Experience with tools like Pars.ly, Google Analytics or social listening platforms.
- Passion for engaging readers, fostering meaningful debate and being an ambassador for Detroit News journalism.
- Requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance.
Application instructions:
We’re eager to learn more about how you might fit this role. When you apply, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
- Your resume – one to two pages
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job
- Links to 3-6 online samples of your work that best demonstrate your aptitude for the desired role.
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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $75,000.00 and $110,000.00. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.
