Higher Education Reporter, Boston Globe Opinion

Job Description:

The Boston Globe Opinion desk is looking for an enterprising reporter to anchor a new section focused on higher education. Because the Boston area has several of the world’s top universities, coverage rooted here can offer particularly deep insights into the enormous political, cultural, economic, and intellectual shifts happening in higher ed right now. 

This reporter will work closely with the editor of this new vertical to shape its development as it rolls out in the second half of 2026. This journalist’s duties will include writing a lively, informative, scoopy weekly newsletter; writing reported and investigative commentary; and appearing at events that bring the section’s coverage to life.

Responsibilities:

This writer will be expected to help readers understand dramatic changes happening in higher education in everything from admissions to AI to the demographic cliff. These stories will largely focus on colleges and universities in New England, but we expect to appeal to readers across the nation and even internationally. 

In keeping with this position’s role in the Opinion department, this writer will not be expected to chronicle developments for the record or write about breaking news. Instead this writer will be expected to identify emerging trends, capture important debates, uncover problems at colleges and universities — and help lead conversations about possible solutions. 

In addition to writing the weekly email newsletter and reported pieces, this journalist will appear at events and should be open to taking part in podcasts and videos related to their coverage.

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate has at least five years of journalism experience and is excited by the prospect of helping to build a startup publication. We are looking for journalists who show doggedness in their reporting and an ability to develop deep networks of sources on a beat. Experience covering higher education in particular is preferred. Adeptness with financial documents is a plus, as is experience with multimedia techniques such as data visualization or short video. 

Clean, compelling, stylish prose is a must. So are habits of mind that elevate opinion journalism: curiosity, open-mindedness, humility, and creativity. 

The ideal candidate should have a willingness to adapt and be audience focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment 

The BGMP office is located in downtown Boston, near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and is easily accessible by MBTA and commuter rail lines. This position is based in Boston, and candidates should be based in the area or willing to move. Candidates should expect to travel to campuses within New England.

The hourly rate for this role is $38.41 - $61.53.

This position is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Newspaper Guild.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

EEO Statement: At Boston Globe Media, our mission is to empower, connect, and convene our communities with independent, trusted journalism and storytelling. We know a critical part of achieving this is by having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. Boston Globe Media is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates and colleagues of all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills.