Newsletter Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Newsletter Writer

🔹 Company: The Texas Tribune

🔹 Location: Austin, Texas

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Journalism & Media

🔹 Date Posted: April 18, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and strategizing The Brief and The Brief Weekly newsletters
• Collaborating with other newsletter product leaders to enhance audience engagement
• Crafting must-read newsletters with a strong, accessible writing voice
• Working closely with the audience and product teams to foster long-term relationships with readers
• Growing audiences for Tribune email products and developing new newsletters

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and strong writing skills to engage a statewide audience and grow the Tribune's newsletter offerings.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Writing and curating The Brief and The Brief Weekly newsletters, focusing on policy and politics news

✅ Strategizing breaking news and enterprise work with email, leveraging analytics to inform strategy

✅ Collaborating with fellow newsletter product leaders to shape and guide collective strategy

✅ Ensuring all copy in the newsletter is clean, accurate, and consistent with the newsroom’s voice

✅ Working closely with the audience and product teams to engage readers and grow audiences

✅ Developing additional newsletters designed to reach and engage specific audiences

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong self-management skills to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field

Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience in journalism, particularly in newsletters, breaking news, or audience engagement

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing, reviewing, and editing skills
• Strong communication and storytelling skills
• Ability to research and fact-check information
• Experience producing newsletters in Beehiiv or other email management systems
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment or remotely
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with analytics tools to monitor newsletter performance
• Familiarity with the Texas political and policy landscape
• Experience working in a newsroom or similar fast-paced environment

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in journalism is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 per year (estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels)

Benefits:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Cellphone stipend
• 20 days of paid time off each year
• Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave, plus four weeks of additional job protection
• 401(k) matching
• Support for professional training and attending industry conferences
• Remote working flexibility

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, with flexibility for breaking news coverage

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that promotes civic engagement and discourse on public policy, politics, government, and other matters of statewide concern.

Company Size: The Texas Tribune has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized newsroom environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 2009, with a mission to provide nonpartisan, in-depth journalism that informs and engages Texans.

Company Description:

• Focused on delivering nonpartisan news and analysis on Texas politics and policy
• Committed to innovation and risk-taking in journalism
• Seeks to ensure its newsroom and coverage reflect Texas's diversity

Company Specialties:

• In-depth investigative journalism
• Data-driven storytelling
• Multimedia reporting and presentation

Company Website: www.texastribune.org

ASSUMPTION: The Texas Tribune's nonpartisan approach and commitment to in-depth journalism set it apart in the Texas media landscape.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level journalist with opportunities for growth and advancement

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Managing Editor of Newsletters

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a preference for Austin-based candidates but open to remote work for the right candidate

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the newsletters team
• Opportunities to collaborate with other teams and expand skills and expertise
• Chance to contribute to the Tribune's mission and make an impact on Texas journalism

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their skills and advance within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative newsroom in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol building

Office Location(s): 919 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701

Geographic Context:

• Austin is the capital of Texas and a vibrant, growing city with a strong tech industry
• The Texas Capitol building is nearby, providing easy access to political news and events
• The Tribune's location in downtown Austin offers numerous amenities and cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, with flexibility for breaking news coverage and occasional weekend work

ASSUMPTION: The Tribune's downtown Austin location provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to political news and events.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial resume screening
• Phone or video call interview with the Managing Editor of Newsletters
• In-person or virtual interview with the Editor-in-Chief and other newsroom leaders
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Understanding of Texas politics and policy
• Ability to work collaboratively in a newsroom environment
• Strategic thinking and creativity in newsletter production

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a portfolio of your writing samples, showcasing your voice and versatility
• Address your vision for this position and how you would approach the work in your cover letter
• Follow up after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

ATS Keywords: Newsletter Writing, Editorial Judgment, Audience Engagement, Storytelling, Research Skills, Fact-Checking, Collaboration, Analytics, Content Strategy, Communication, Editing, Breaking News, Policy Understanding, Writing Clarity, Empathy, Creativity

ASSUMPTION: The Texas Tribune's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and fit for the role, with a focus on writing and editing abilities and strategic thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Beehiiv or other email management systems
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mailchimp)
• Microsoft Office or Google Workspace

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required but may be beneficial for candidates applying for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Nonpartisan journalism
• Innovation and risk-taking
• Collaboration and teamwork

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic newsroom environment
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
• Openness to new ideas and approaches

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong, accessible writing voice that resonates with a statewide audience?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced newsroom environment and meeting tight deadlines?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy working with others to achieve shared goals?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with the Texas Tribune's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the organization's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing multiple tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced newsroom environment
• Adapting to breaking news and shifting priorities
• Engaging a diverse statewide audience with varying interests and perspectives
• Working with limited resources and competing priorities

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in the role and require strong self-management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to the Tribune's mission.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on leading and strategizing the Tribune's flagship newsletters
• Compared to other newsletter writer roles, this position offers more strategic responsibility and growth potential
• Career path may lead to leadership roles within the newsletters team or other areas of the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to grow and make an impact within the Texas Tribune's newsletters team.

📝 Sample Projects

• Curating and writing The Brief and The Brief Weekly newsletters for a statewide audience
• Developing and implementing a content strategy to grow the Tribune's newsletter audience
• Collaborating with other newsletter product leaders to enhance audience engagement and expand the Tribune's newsletter offerings

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and strategic focus of this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the Tribune's overall strategy for growing its newsletter audience and engagement?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the Tribune support the professional growth and development of its journalists?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
• How does the Tribune foster a collaborative and inclusive newsroom environment?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application by May 18th through this link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3211244
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include a portfolio of your writing samples, showcasing your voice and versatility
• Address your vision for this position and how you would approach the work in your cover letter
• Follow up after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

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