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Editorial Writer

HNP About Us
Full-time
On-site
Austin, Texas, United States
✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing
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πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Editorial Writer

πŸ”Ή Company: Austin American-Statesman (HNP About Us)

πŸ”Ή Location: Austin, Texas, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: ✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: Wed Apr 02 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Not specified

πŸ“Œ Essential Job Details

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Producing at least two unsigned editorials weekly
  • Engaging in projects like candidate endorsements
  • Developing digital audiences and connecting through social media
  • Collaborating across departments for multimedia story elements

ASSUMPTION: This role emphasizes a strong digital presence and audience interaction, focusing on journalistic integrity and community impact, given the description of Austin's dynamic political and social environment.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Produce at least two unsigned editorials weekly

βœ… Work on projects, such as candidate endorsements

βœ… Develop new audiences through digital channels and social media engagement

βœ… Collaborate with other departments for story elements, like photos and graphics

βœ… Provide thoughtful analysis and sophisticated journalism

βœ… Occasionally contribute as an editor

βœ… Attend meetings or events outside traditional work hours

βœ… Engage with audiences through understanding digital SEO and appearing on camera if required

ASSUMPTION: The role's responsibilities suggest an expectation for flexibility and proactive engagement, likely demanding a balance between scheduled tasks and responsive journalism based on news developments.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or equivalent experience

Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a newsroom setting with writing and editing responsibilities

Required Skills:

  • Editorial writing and opinion analysis
  • Social media and SEO engagement
  • Fact-driven and data-driven journalism

Preferred Skills:

  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience in creating multimedia content

ASSUMPTION: Given the preference for bilingual skills and multimedia content, the role likely involves a broad range of communication tasks, emphasizing coverage in both regional and diverse linguistic contexts.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified, typical ranges for such roles could be explored on industry salary sites

Benefits:

  • Health and dental insurance
  • Retirement savings program
  • Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: 40 hours per week with potential for flexible hours during events or newsworthy moments

ASSUMPTION: Standard benefits and flexible working hours are anticipated based on industry norms, though specific details were not provided in the listing.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Newspaper publishing with a focus on digital audience engagement

Company Size: 201-500 employees, a midsize company where employees may find ample opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration and career development

Founded: 1871 for the newspaper, now a part of Hearst since 2025

Company Description:

  • Leading news source in Central Texas for over a century
  • Now benefiting from Hearst's extensive resources
  • Engaged in covering pressing state and national issues

Company Specialties:

  • News coverage and journalism
  • Marketing and digital advertising
  • Local to national audience reach

Company Website: https://hearstmediact.com/

ASSUMPTION: The focus on digital expansion and journalistic integrity suggests the company values innovation and independence, leveraging Hearst's robust network.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid to senior level, involving substantial responsibility and potential for influence in editorial decisions

Reporting Structure: Directly report to the Editorial Page Editor

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site with fieldwork as needed

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement to senior editorial roles
  • Leadership positions in digital strategy teams
  • Potential for role expansion into multimedia storytelling

ASSUMPTION: The potential for growth appears strong considering the strategic aims of Hearst in expanding digital journalism.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Traditional newsroom with modern amenities

Office Location(s): Downtown Austin, a vibrant city known for tech and cultural events

Geographic Context:

  • Live music capital and tech hub
  • Politically significant, host to important state government institutions
  • Rich local debates influencing national discourse

Work Schedule: Flexible with the expectation of attending events outside regular hours

ASSUMPTION: Austin's dynamic environment could strongly influence editorial content, providing rich stories and a vibrant workplace culture.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Initial resume review
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-depth interview with editorial team

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Writing and editorial judgment
  • Digital and social media acumen
  • Collaboration and communication skills

Application Tips:

  • Highlight experience in opinion journalism
  • Demonstrate digital media strategy skills
  • Showcase fluency in Spanish if relevant

ATS Keywords: Editorial Writing, Journalism, Opinion Analysis, Digital Engagement, SEO

ASSUMPTION: Emphasizing adaptability to digital platforms will likely stand out in the application process given the company's digital expansion.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Content management systems (CMS)
  • Digital analytics tools
  • Social media platforms

ASSUMPTION: An expectation to be proficient in standard journalistic and digital tools, allowing for seamless content creation and engagement.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Journalistic integrity
  • Community engagement
  • Innovation in storytelling

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and open communication
  • Proactive and self-driven
  • Flexible and adaptable to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Am I passionate about holding public figures accountable?
  • Do I thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments?
  • Can I effectively balance traditional journalism with digital innovation?

ASSUMPTION: The company likely values candidates who are self-starters and capable of innovative thinking in emerging journalistic landscapes.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Navigating a rapidly changing media landscape
  • Balancing in-depth reporting with fast news cycles
  • Maintaining objectivity and editorial independence
  • Engaging diverse audiences with varying perspectives

ASSUMPTION: Candidates will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability amidst evolving media trends and consumer expectations.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Distinct opportunities to shape public opinion in a politically active city
  • Greater access to collaborate with broader networks due to affiliation with Hearst
  • Possibility to be at the forefront of digital journalism evolution

ASSUMPTION: Comparable roles in other regions may not provide the same level of engagement due to Austin's unique cultural and political mix.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Conducting investigative series on local issues affecting voters
  • Leading digital-first initiatives that drive audience engagement
  • Collaborating on multimedia projects highlighting cultural trends

ASSUMPTION: The focus on impactful local journalism with national implications suggests potential projects will be high-profile and influential.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does the editorial team prioritize topics for investigation?
  • What are the key measures of success for editorials?
  • How is editorial independence maintained under the larger Hearst umbrella?
  • What digital tools does the team use for audience engagement?
  • How often is collaboration expected across different departments?

ASSUMPTION: Strategic questioning can provide insight into the company's commitment to editorial freedom and digital strategy emphasis.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Prepare a portfolio of writing samples relevant to editorial writing
  • Ensure your resume highlights experience in opinion journalism and digital media
  • Be ready for multiple stages of interviews including practical writing assessments
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of Austin's social and political issues in applications and interviews

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.

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