Opinion Columnist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Opinion Columnist

Location: St. Petersburg, FL / Tampa Bay Region

Position Summary:

The Tampa Bay Times is seeking a sharp, digitally savvy Opinion Columnist to help shape public conversation across the Tampa Bay region and Florida. This role is designed for a journalist with strong news instincts, compelling storytelling abilities, and a fearless commitment to accountability journalism.

The ideal candidate is deeply curious about local and state issues, thrives under deadline pressure, and is motivated to move beyond surface-level narratives to deliver reporting and commentary that informs, challenges, and engages readers. This journalist will produce timely, voice-driven opinion columns while also helping expand audience engagement through digital storytelling, video, social media, newsletters, podcasts, and emerging platforms.

This position requires a journalist who is equally comfortable writing quick-turn commentary and pursuing deeper enterprise work. The successful candidate will actively build community relationships and source networks while serving as a visible public-facing voice for the Tampa Bay Times.

Responsibilities:

• Write timely, compelling opinion columns focused primarily on local and state news, politics, government, and public accountability
• Identify and develop original column ideas that drive public conversation and advance meaningful community dialogue
• Cultivate strong relationships with sources, community leaders, elected officials, and residents across the Tampa Bay region
• Report beyond official narratives to uncover deeper context, accountability angles, and underreported issues
• Produce a consistent volume of high-quality commentary under tight deadlines
• Develop a distinct, engaging voice that resonates across multiple audiences and platforms
• Collaborate with newsroom editors, reporters, and audience teams to maximize reach and impact
• Create and participate in digital-first storytelling, including video, social media content, newsletters, live events, podcasts, and other audience engagement initiatives
• Represent the Tampa Bay Times in public forums, community events, and digital spaces as a recognizable voice of the organization
• Monitor local and state news developments closely and respond quickly to emerging stories and trends
• Assist with occasional editing, content coordination, and opinion section workflow support as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 5 years of professional journalism experience, preferably covering local or state government, politics, public affairs, or community issues
• Exceptional writing, reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills
• Strong understanding of Florida and Tampa Bay news, politics, and community dynamics
• Demonstrated ability to develop sources and produce original enterprise journalism
• Proven ability to work effectively under deadline pressure in a fast-paced newsroom environment
• Comfort appearing on video, audio, social media, and public-facing platforms
• Experience with digital audience engagement and multimedia storytelling strategies
• Strong editorial judgment and commitment to journalistic ethics, accuracy, and fairness
• Ability to adapt quickly between breaking commentary, enterprise reporting, and audience engagement initiatives
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across newsroom teams and platforms

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a resume, at least two writing samples or published columns, and a written statement outlining their vision and ideas for the role by May 29.