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Opinion Editor / News Writer

Common Dreams is a nonprofit, progressive media organization that since 1997 has operated under a simple mission: To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. Our independent journalism and newsroom operation are focused on providing our international readership with the most important daily news, informed analysis, and progressive opinion on the world’s pressing issues 365 days a year.

We are seeking a full-time Opinion Editor/News Writer to join our small, dynamic, and hard-hitting team. Working closely with the managing editor, this position will lean heavily towards the opinion editor role, with additional opportunities to report and write news stories and work on all aspects of site production.

The ideal candidate has a sophisticated understanding of the news landscape and progressive politics with at least 4 years of experience working in the world of online journalism, progressive media, and/or the news industry. Our key areas of coverage include politics and democracy, the climate crisis, economic inequality, labor rights, corporate accountability, social justice, issues of war and peace, biodiversity protection, and more. The right person for this job will feel comfortable covering the gamut and know who and where to turn to on the variety of topics we cover.

As Opinion Editor, the primary responsibilities will include:

  • Editing and formatting approx. 4-7 opinion articles per day, 5 days a week;
  • Shepherding existing contributors through the submission process;
  • Cultivating new writers;
  • Coordinating with media partners and allied organizations;
  • Screening submissions and assessing cross-posts;
  • Maintaining weekly/monthly publication calendars;
  • Ensuring all articles meet the highest standards; and
  • Helping all published work reach as large and diverse an audience as possible in furtherance of our mission.

Requirements:

  • 4+ years of professional journalism experience
  • Impeccable writing, fact-checking, and editing skills
  • Proven knowledge of U.S. and global political landscapes and key issues
  • Commitment to social justice, a better world, and the stated mission of Common Dreams
  • Ability to execute under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Excel at working both in a group and independently
  • Well-versed in various CMS platforms (Drupal, Wordpress, RebelMouse, et al.)
  • Basic html knowledge and familiarity with digital publishing tools
  • Solid eye for design and visual layout
  • Proficient on relevant social media platforms
  • Ability to manage time and various projects efficiently

Compensation

Pay will be commensurate with experience and competitive with nonprofit public interest pay scales. Common Dreams provides a benefits package that includes health care, paid vacation, sick days, and parental-family leave.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000

Application Process

Please send resume, cover letter detailing your qualifications and desire for the position, and any relevant writing samples or editorial credits. (Please limit samples to no more than 3, preferably links to published items but attached pdf also ok). Our offices are located in Portland, ME, but this is a remote position that will generally be expected to work U.S. East Coast hours. Newsroom operates across time zones Monday thru Friday, 365 days a year, with occasional weekend duties required.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2023. Start date: ASAP.

Email all materials to newsroom_jobs@commondreams.org with the Subject Line: “Opinion Editor/News Writer + Your Name.”

Please no phone calls.

Cultivating an inclusive and diverse staff as well as a cooperative, respectful, safe, and positive environment is central to Common Dreams’ workplace culture. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with all colleagues of varied experience and backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, conforming to both the spirit and letter of the law in our hiring. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, prior status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.