Associate Writer, Games (Part-time)

The New York Times is seeking a part-time Associate Writer for its fast-growing games subscription business. This hybrid role, based in New York City, involves writing engaging content for solvers and constructors of games like the legendary New York Times Crossword and Spelling Bee. Responsibilities include producing two Wordplay columns weekly, moderating comments, engaging the community, and contributing to the Gameplay newsletter and feature stories, helping to shape beloved puzzle products with a rich history.

Must Have

• Write and produce two Wordplay columns a week.
• Help moderate comments on Wordplay content.
• Engage our community in the comments of your content. Respond to reader feedback and questions.
• Perform related work, such as producing one of our daily forums, writing solving guides or articles about solvers, as assigned.
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission.
• 2+ years writing or reporting in a consumer-facing field such as entertainment, news media or games.
• Experience writing for online audiences, with emphasis on writing with empathy for beginner solvers.
• Proficiency with major social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.
• Basic experience with web production, and basic knowledge of web tools and interfaces.
• Basic knowledge of journalism ethics and standards.

Good to Have

• Advanced proficiency in crossword solving.
• Enthusiasm for puzzles and games.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s)
• Company-matching 401(k) plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development programs

Mission Overview & Responsibilities

The New York Times is looking for a part-time Associate Writer to support its fast-growing and expanding games subscription business. You will be responsible for writing content that engage solvers and constructors of our games and puzzles, including the legendary New York Times Crossword, the Spelling Bee and other games.

This is a hybrid role based in our New York City office.

Why should you apply?

This is an opportunity to help shape products that people love. The New York Times Crossword is a unique brand, with a 76-year history and regarded as one of the pre-eminent puzzles on the planet. In the last years, we have expanded our puzzle offering into new games, building on our legacy of creating smart, engaging and playful puzzles.

You will write content for our Wordplay column that helps solvers work through the Thursday and Friday crossword puzzles. These readers tend to be dedicated solvers of tricky, difficult to solve puzzles. You may also be asked to contribute to our Gameplay newsletter and may be assigned feature stories on an as needed basis.

Responsibilities:

• Write and produce two Wordplay columns a week.
• Help moderate comments on their Wordplay content.
• Engage our community in the comments of your content. Respond to reader feedback and questions.
• Perform related work, such as producing one of our daily forums, writing solving guides or articles about solvers, as assigned
• 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 Deputy Editorial Director, Games.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years writing or reporting in a consumer-facing field such as entertainment, news media or games.
• Experience writing for online audiences, with emphasis on writing with empathy for beginner solvers.
• Proficiency with major social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.
• Basic experience with web production, and basic knowledge of web tools and interfaces.
• Basic knowledge of journalism ethics and standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced proficiency in crossword solving and enthusiasm for puzzles and games.

The annual base pay range for this role is between:

$80,952.15 - $80,952.15 USD

For roles in the U.S., dependent 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 (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.