Community Engagement Editor
The StarNews/StarNewsOnline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a community engagement editor who has a passion for understanding current and potential readers and developing strategies and content to serve those readers.
This editor will be responsible for managing and writing opinion content in addition to other community outreach efforts. We want someone who can lead provocative conversations about issues critical to Wilmington-area residents, through commentary across digital platforms, the print newspaper and virtual and in-person forums.
This person will develop commentary that is relentlessly focused on local topics and is deeply reported, yet, as appropriate, turned quickly in response to news of the day. This editor will pivot quickly to write columns, solicit op-eds and conduct Q&As tied to urgent local topics. We would also look for opportunities to augment major national issues with local voices.
This person will not write editorials as the voice of the newsroom. Instead, they will have the opportunity to write a regular column, using their voice for commentary, on issues important to Wilmington readers.
The ideal candidate will be open-minded, welcoming of diverse viewpoints, invested in the community and passionate about honing sharp arguments yet collegial in debating issues with colleagues or readers with opposing views.
Responsibilities also include helping select and edit letters and guest columns, ensuring content is thoroughly researched, accurately sourced and meets the StarNews’ journalistic and ethical standards; helping plan print pages; and contributing to the StarNews’ long-term diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
This editor will also be responsible for managing and producing content associated with a new weekly feature that seeksto answer readers' questions.
The StarNews is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, one of the top 10 largest municipalities in the state. Wilmington is home to a diverse community that includes young professionals, middle-aged families and an older retiree population. Wilmington’s downtown offers an eclectic blend of historic charm and modern appeal that includes being home to the World War II Battleship North Carolina and Victorian-era architecture as part of the 230-block National Register Historic District.
Near the Cape Fear River and the Riverwalk that overlooks it are locally owned restaurants, galleries and shops that offer a vibrant nightlife through live music, bars and theater productions. Wilmington is noted for having a variety of places to live, from historic homes to modern apartments situated all over the city.
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’tlimit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.