S.F. City Columnist

S.F. City Columnist

The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for a rare talent who can capture the heartbeat of a city at a historic moment of transformation and contradiction. San Francisco has beautiful vistas, mostly thriving neighborhoods and the world’s most innovative workforce, but also long-standing homelessness, a drug epidemic with record overdose deaths and staggering income inequality.

 This columnist needs to be the voice of weary but passionate residents exhausted by problems that date back 50 years. Working alongside a fearless and talented team of journalists, the columnist will hold public officials accountable for their actions, while also celebrating their successes. Breaking news on the people and policies shaping the crisis is critically important so experience building sources is paramount.

This columnist must also appreciate the things that make San Francisco one of the best places in the world to live: its thriving food and wine scene, its limitless outdoor activities, its deep cultural opportunities and the unique characters who shape the city.

Media from all over the world come to San Francisco to write about the city’s struggles to confront its crises. That foreign correspondent approach is the exact opposite of what we want in a columnist. This person must write about what matters to residents in their daily lives and shed light on the roots of their frustrations. 

Put yourself in the shoes of our subscribers and then advocate for them. We’re seeking a self-starter who has strong writing skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback, thrives on collaboration, is committed to inclusive journalism and wants to own the stories that matter most.

What you will do:

• Become the voice that speaks for San Francisco residents.
• Illuminate how systems and leaders deliver on promises.
• Tell stories that inspire readers and make it easier for them to live their lives.

What it will take to be successful: 

• At least five years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
• Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
• Willingness to dive deeply into policy details while clearly explaining them.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
• Commitment to visual storytelling and openness to alternative story forms.

Requirements: 

• This position is full-time and will likely include occasional weekend work.
• The candidate must be based in San Francisco.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in California. The reasonable estimate is between $95,000 and $130,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in San Francisco. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications and education.

About The San Francisco Chronicle & SFChronicle.com:

The San Francisco Chronicle is one of the largest news organizations in the West. SFChronicle.com is home to the Bay Area’s best journalism and has been recognized as the best large newspaper website in California. Our award-winning journalists provide insight into the people and events shaping the Bay Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of breaking news in Northern California. Join our team!