Sports Editor

The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 158-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other accolades, we stand as a beacon of journalistic excellence in Minnesota. Together, we are the heart and voice of the north.

Our mission is to build a better Minnesota by connecting us with the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities. We’re seeking dynamic leaders who are passionate about journalism and democracy to help shape this future. If you are excited about reinventing one of our state’s most trusted institutions and leading us into a new era of growth and excellence, we want to hear from you.

The Star Tribune is seeking an accomplished and versatile journalist to lead our Sports coverage at our headquarters in Minneapolis MN. 

The right leader will be an innovative, highly collaborative and organized leader who can oversee the reimagination of local sports journalism. This position requires clear editorial vision, excellent news judgment and immovable standards, as well as experience in breaking news and enterprise coverage.  

The Twin Cities is one of the nation’s great sports markets, with a full calendar of pro and college teams with avid fan bases. The best candidate will be a competitor who has demonstrated a knack for producing sports journalism that leads the pack and demands attention. That candidate will also be knowledgeable and curious – good at asking questions, diving into business and politics and telling stories that reach beyond the die-hard fans.  

We’re looking for a leader who excels at all aspects of story development, from spot news to projects and podcasts. The sports editor should have experience developing reporters into well-known personalities who produce ambitious, useful and exclusive work.  

Just as important: We’re looking for an editor who is constantly looking for new ways for our journalism to find its audience. The sports editor will challenge the team daily with a simple question: Is this something our readers would willingly pay for? The best candidates will have experience developing ideas that drive consumer revenue and work closely with leaders outside the newsroom to identify, create and launch products, events and other initiatives that convert readers into subscribers. 

Star Tribune editors use data and analytics to inform their coverage choices and increase the reach and impact of our journalism. The newsroom encourages a culture of risk-taking and change. Our next sports editor will be tasked with creating and changing beats, while experimenting with different storytelling forms. That editor will be rigorous and disciplined in assessing approaches that have promise – and those that do not. 

As a senior leader, this role will help build and execute our company strategy. The sports editor, like all our journalists, will foster an inclusive work environment and strive to ensure that our newsroom and its coverage reflect the diversity of Minnesota.  

You will:  

• Drive coverage and day-to-day strategy for more engaging and impactful journalism that keeps the needs and interests of our audience at the forefront. 
• Work collaboratively with the Editor, Managing Editors and other news leaders to shape creative, ambitious daily and longer-term coverage plans across multiple platforms. 
• Lead, coach and elevate our journalists, guiding them on journalistic best practices and our digital transformation.  
• Manage daily assignments, logistics and placement decisions with platform coordinators. 
• Collaborate closely with the Audience, Product, Consumer Growth and Revenue teams to ensure our journalism reaches its widest audience. 
• Engage with community leaders, citizens and subscribers at forums and other events, articulating how we live our journalistic mission and values. 
• Adhere to best practices around audience analytics, search and discovery. 
• Identify and solve problems proactively, engaging others as necessary. 
• As a member of newsroom and company management teams, ensure standards, guidelines and policies are followed. 
•  Meet regularly with reporters, manage performance and provide regular feedback.
• Ensure that editors on your team are working with reporters to develop and implement data- and audience-informed coverage plans for their topic areas. 
• Lead and deliver transformational edits as needed on major initiatives. 
• Effectively recruit, hire and train for a broad range of skillsets. 
• Demonstrate personal leadership skills with an emphasis on respectful inclusion while driving for excellence. 
• Work regularly at Star Tribune headquarters.  

You have:  

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. 
• Strong news judgment and demonstrated high-quality editing, communication and leadership experience, to serve as a coach, manager and guide in a constantly changing news environment. 
• A proven record of accomplishment in a senior-level position leading teams to successful results. 
• Fluency using digital tools, tracking and analyzing online audience trends and building strategies to engage readers and drive digital subscriptions. 
• Management skills that foster a creative and supportive culture, built from experience in leading a news team.  
• Communication and collaboration skills to work across a matrixed organization. 
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and multitask in a high-pressure environment. 
• Experience managing a budget, conducting timely performance reviews, and hiring. 
• A commitment to coverage that represents and speaks to the breadth of Minnesota’s diversity. 

Compensation Range: The annual pay range for this management position is $125,000 to $145,000. 

Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

The Minnesota Star Tribune offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401(K) match, healthcare coverage – medical, dental, and vision, life, disability, paid time off, and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at benefits.startribunecompany.com.

Schedule: Variable hours may include nights, weekends and holidays.   

To Apply: Upload a resume and a memo outlining your strategic vision for the role, and top ideas for coverage plans. 

More about The Minnesota Star Tribune: 

At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to their happiness, growth, and well-being. Here’s a snapshot of the exceptional benefits we offer: 

• Modern Downtown Office: Enjoy a state-of-the-art workspace with a free fitness center, collaborative center, golf simulator, and a rooftop patio. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Participate in our wellness program with financial incentives, generous paid time off, flexible holidays, one volunteer day, and two wellness days. 
• Financial & Family Support: Benefit from a 401(k) with company match, paid parental and caregiving leave, hybrid work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement. 
• Additional Perks: Access to an employee assistance program, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts. 

2025 award winner of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Media and News and proud recipient of Newsweek’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2025 recognition.  

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Even if you don't meet every single requirement for this role, we encourage you to apply. At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.