OPT News Editor Jobs
News Editor jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor or maintain your F-1 work authorization, which runs 12 months for most graduates and up to 36 months for STEM-adjacent fields. Newsroom roles often involve tight deadlines, editorial judgment, and cross-functional collaboration, all of which you can demonstrate during your OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Chicago Public Media
Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations. Home to WBEZ 91.5FM, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Vocalo. Chicago Public Media reaches more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, we aspire to be the most trusted news source Chicagoans turn to for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping our community.
Chicago Public Media is a 100% community-funded newsroom powered by nearly 97,000 members whose support makes our journalism possible. This sustained community investment helped drive nationally recognized work in 2025, including 29 awards from esteemed organizations, including the Public Media Journalists Association, the Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the National Association of Black Journalists.
We believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that access to objective, fact-based news is a right for every citizen. We serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches our community, supported by a dedicated staff of approximately 250 professionals.
For more information, please see the Chicago Public Media Annual Report.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The night assistant news editor is responsible for running the Sun-Times’ news coverage in the evenings. The editor will oversee the work of General Assignment reporters on the News Desk by assigning them stories, guiding their reporting and editing their news copy for print and online to ensure it meets our standards of excellence. The editor will work Tuesday through Saturday nights.
Responsibilities
- Editing stories in a fast-paced environment for publication online and in print.
- Coordinating coverage with our topic desks, in some cases making sure a story of interest is assigned, or making reporters available to work with other teams.
- Staying on top of breaking news stories and monitoring coverage by other media to evaluate for potential Sun-Times coverage. Regularly reviewing social media, email inboxes and elsewhere for story ideas, possible sources and other communications.
- Working with our audience team to make sure stories get their maximum readership with strong headlines, internal and related links and other SEO-friendly tactics.
- Communicating with the print production desk to ensure all stories are moved for print in a timely manner.
- Keeping in touch with audio editors at WBEZ to keep up with planned coverage, look for opportunities for collaboration, share sources and cross-post stories.
- Having a sharp eye for spotting typos and holes in news stories.
- Assisting with the supervisory duties of the wire desk, including maintaining our databases and training general assignment reporters and part-time staff.
- Showing mastery of English grammar and AP style and our internal style guide.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of experience as a News Editor.
- Ability to work an evening and weekend schedule (Tuesday - Saturday).
- Outstanding news judgment and experience leading journalists to produce work of distinction and community impact.
- Demonstrated passion for leading creative daily news coverage.
- Ability to conceptualize and edit news stories for content, accuracy, pacing, ideas, narrative and voice.
- Fluency and enthusiasm for multiplatform journalism.
- Deep commitment to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and the mission of public media.
- Ability to articulate your own ideas precisely and concisely – and to cultivate the strong ideas that come from other editors and reporters.
- Strong relationship builder and naturally collaborative leader. Experience leading and inspiring diverse, inclusive teams to excellence.
- Knowledge of the Chicago region’s rich diversity of stories, sectors and communities is very helpful.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, humanities or related field.
COMPENSATION
The expected pay range for this position is $77,214 to $85,000 per ANNUM.
Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Working at Chicago Public Media
At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.
Our culture is one where collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation are encouraged. We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, divergent experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.
At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for employees at hire and in the years to come.
Our benefits include a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.
Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.
The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.
About Chicago Public Media
Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations. Home to WBEZ 91.5FM, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Vocalo. Chicago Public Media reaches more than 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, we aspire to be the most trusted news source Chicagoans turn to for understanding the people, events, and ideas shaping our community.
Chicago Public Media is a 100% community-funded newsroom powered by nearly 97,000 members whose support makes our journalism possible. This sustained community investment helped drive nationally recognized work in 2025, including 29 awards from esteemed organizations, including the Public Media Journalists Association, the Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the National Association of Black Journalists.
We believe independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that access to objective, fact-based news is a right for every citizen. We serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches our community, supported by a dedicated staff of approximately 250 professionals.
For more information, please see the Chicago Public Media Annual Report.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The night assistant news editor is responsible for running the Sun-Times’ news coverage in the evenings. The editor will oversee the work of General Assignment reporters on the News Desk by assigning them stories, guiding their reporting and editing their news copy for print and online to ensure it meets our standards of excellence. The editor will work Tuesday through Saturday nights.
Responsibilities
- Editing stories in a fast-paced environment for publication online and in print.
- Coordinating coverage with our topic desks, in some cases making sure a story of interest is assigned, or making reporters available to work with other teams.
- Staying on top of breaking news stories and monitoring coverage by other media to evaluate for potential Sun-Times coverage. Regularly reviewing social media, email inboxes and elsewhere for story ideas, possible sources and other communications.
- Working with our audience team to make sure stories get their maximum readership with strong headlines, internal and related links and other SEO-friendly tactics.
- Communicating with the print production desk to ensure all stories are moved for print in a timely manner.
- Keeping in touch with audio editors at WBEZ to keep up with planned coverage, look for opportunities for collaboration, share sources and cross-post stories.
- Having a sharp eye for spotting typos and holes in news stories.
- Assisting with the supervisory duties of the wire desk, including maintaining our databases and training general assignment reporters and part-time staff.
- Showing mastery of English grammar and AP style and our internal style guide.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of experience as a News Editor.
- Ability to work an evening and weekend schedule (Tuesday - Saturday).
- Outstanding news judgment and experience leading journalists to produce work of distinction and community impact.
- Demonstrated passion for leading creative daily news coverage.
- Ability to conceptualize and edit news stories for content, accuracy, pacing, ideas, narrative and voice.
- Fluency and enthusiasm for multiplatform journalism.
- Deep commitment to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and the mission of public media.
- Ability to articulate your own ideas precisely and concisely – and to cultivate the strong ideas that come from other editors and reporters.
- Strong relationship builder and naturally collaborative leader. Experience leading and inspiring diverse, inclusive teams to excellence.
- Knowledge of the Chicago region’s rich diversity of stories, sectors and communities is very helpful.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, humanities or related field.
COMPENSATION
The expected pay range for this position is $77,214 to $85,000 per ANNUM.
Chicago Public Media provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographical location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Working at Chicago Public Media
At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.
Our culture is one where collaboration, diversity of ideas, and innovation are encouraged. We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, divergent experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.
At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for employees at hire and in the years to come.
Our benefits include a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.
Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.
The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a News Editor
Target news organizations with established OPT hiring
Large media companies, digital publishers, and broadcast networks are more likely to have HR infrastructure familiar with OPT. Smaller outlets may be open but need more guidance on the process, so come prepared to explain your work authorization clearly.
Emphasize your editorial specialization upfront
News Editors who cover a specific beat, politics, technology, finance, or health, are easier for employers to justify hiring on OPT. A specialized skill set reduces the friction of sponsorship because the role is harder to fill with a less experienced candidate.
Know your OPT end date and STEM eligibility before applying
Check whether your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Journalism and communications degrees typically do not qualify, so being honest about your timeline with employers prevents surprises late in the hiring process.
Raise H-1B sponsorship early, not after the offer
News editors are specialty occupation roles with a degree requirement, which generally qualifies for H-1B visa. Asking about long-term sponsorship during the interview process signals professionalism and saves both sides from investing in a path that cannot continue.
Build a portfolio that travels across formats
Editors who can show published work across text, audio, video, and social formats are more attractive to digital-first newsrooms. A strong cross-format portfolio demonstrates adaptability and reduces the perceived risk of hiring someone on a time-limited authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly news editor roles
Migrate Mate surfaces News Editor jobs from employers with a documented history of sponsoring work visas. Filtering by OPT compatibility saves time and helps you focus applications on organizations that already understand the process.
News Editor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a News Editor role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. A journalism, communications, English, or media studies degree typically establishes that connection. If your degree is in a different field, you'll need to document how your coursework is relevant to the editorial role, since USCIS requires a clear relationship between your degree and your job.
Can I work as a News Editor on STEM OPT extension?
Only if your qualifying STEM degree is directly related to the role. Most journalism and communications programs are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, so graduates of those programs are generally limited to 12 months of OPT. If you hold a STEM degree, say, a data journalism or computer science background, and the News Editor role involves substantial technical work, the extension may apply, but confirm with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Will news organizations sponsor an H-1B for a News Editor after OPT ends?
Many do, particularly larger media companies and well-funded digital newsrooms. News Editor is widely accepted as a specialty occupation under H-1B because the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. However, sponsorship decisions depend on the employer's budget, legal resources, and how critical the hire is to their operation. Clarifying this before accepting an offer is important if you're relying on continued work authorization.
Where can I find News Editor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the most direct option for F-1 OPT students. The platform filters News Editor listings by sponsorship history, so you can prioritize employers who have hired international candidates before. This matters because even if a job posting doesn't mention visa requirements, applying to organizations already familiar with the OPT and H-1B process dramatically increases your chances of moving forward.
What counts as a qualifying job for OPT in a News Editor role?
The position must be at least 20 hours per week and directly related to your degree. Contract, freelance, and part-time arrangements can qualify under pre-completion OPT, but post-completion OPT requires at least 20 hours weekly. Volunteer and unpaid positions may count toward OPT but won't satisfy most visa maintenance requirements. Full-time staff roles at news organizations are the cleanest fit, and you must report any employer change to your DSO within 10 days.