Head of Public Discourse

Chicago Sun-Times

. Lead the Sun-Times’ public discourse strategy, ensuring it reflects the breadth of Chicago and advances the organization’s editorial standards and public-service mission .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $145,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading public discourse strategies and developing compelling, audience-focused content across multiple platforms. Strong commitment to journalistic ethics and the ability to cultivate distinctive voices among journalists and contributors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Editing ExperienceJournalism ExperienceNews JudgmentContent DevelopmentUnderstanding of Chicago

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

EditingCommentaryJournalismContent CreationAudience Engagement

Soft Skills

CoachingCollaborationCommunicationTrust Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in JournalismBachelor's Degree in CommunicationsBachelor's Degree in Digital MediaBachelor's Degree in Public Affairs

Industry Keywords

Journalistic EthicsInclusive CoveragePublic-Service MissionCommunity VoicesSubject-Matter Experts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Sun-Times’ public discourse strategy, ensuring it reflects the breadth of Chicago and advances the organization’s editorial standards and public-service mission
Recruit, commission and edit staff writers, freelance contributors, community voices and subject-matter experts
Coach reporters and columnists to develop clear, distinctive points of view and deepen their authority
Develop recognizable staff voices that build trust and encourage readers to return across platforms
Work with reporters to identify opportunities for expertise to reach audiences through columns, newsletters, social, video, events and other formats
Partner with newsroom, audience, visual and product teams to identify formats, platforms and presentation for opinion content
Maintain high standards for accuracy, fairness, clarity and ethical journalism

Requirements

What you’ll need

Five or more years of editing, commentary or journalism experience
Demonstrated commitment to journalistic ethics and inclusive coverage
Excellent news judgment and editing skills
Strong understanding of Chicago, its communities and the issues shaping the region
Demonstrated ability to develop journalists’ voices, expertise and public-facing authority on multiple platforms
Experience developing writers and working with a wide range of contributors and perspectives
Ability to shape compelling, audience-focused content across platforms
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, digital media, public affairs, or a related field preferred
Advanced degree also preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Vacation
Paid holidays
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Retirement savings
Commuter benefits plan
Competitive salary and benefits package