Chief of Staff, Opinion

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

The New York Times is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as a high-level strategic and operational partner to the Opinion Editor. This role is essential for driving departmental culture, managing complex projects, and ensuring the section’s leadership operates with precision and alignment. The Chief of Staff is a cross‑functional diplomat who provides strategic oversight and hands‑on execution.

You will identify potential pitfalls, navigate competing interests, and facilitate solutions across the department and company to ensure that Opinion meets its critical commitments.

No two days look alike. Tasks range from drafting remarks for a high‑profile speaking engagement to troubleshooting AV. The Chief of Staff is often the first call when something needs solving and the last line of review before something goes out. There is a high expectation of excellence, discretion and judgment.

This is an in‑office position based in New York and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare the Opinion Editor for all internal and external engagements, including drafting briefing documents, speeches and talking points.
• Own and track milestones for departmental priorities from inception to completion, managing scope, timelines and post‑mortem evaluations.
• Plan and draft vital internal and external communications, including hiring announcements and policy updates.
• Lead the planning and execution of large‑scale departmental events, such as town halls, on‑site summits and staff celebrations, to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness.
• Supervise some operational support staff, which may include project managers and executive assistants, ensuring high standards of detail and performance.
• Oversee complex travel planning, manage departmental resources (such as seating charts and technology installations), and support the hiring and onboarding process for new colleagues.
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
• You will report to the Opinion Editor.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years in project or program management, preferably in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven media environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex journalistic or technical ideas for diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with executives and staff at all levels.
• A solution‑oriented mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity and re‑prioritize quickly based on shifting objectives.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion when handling highly confidential information and sensitive personnel matters.
• A strong interest in the evolution of digital media and the processes that empower creators to do their best work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working within a newsroom or editorial environment, providing a deeper understanding of the evolution of digital media and the creative process.
• Experience with high‑end event production or hospitality to ensure excellence in large‑scale town halls and staff summits.
• Comfortable representing the Opinion Editor in various forums and the ability to refine speechwriting for high‑profile speaking engagements.

The annual base pay range for this role is between $130,000–$150,000 USD. For roles in the U.S., depending on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts, a company‑matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectionate preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Know Your Rights Poster is available.

The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should e‑mail Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company encourages those with criminal histories to apply, and will consider their applications in a manner consistent with applicable Fair Chance laws, including but not limited to the NYC Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act.