Senior Digital Editor - National Geographic

The Senior Digital Editor contributes to and executes National Geographic’s visually rich and scientifically sourced digital storytelling. This editing roles makes data-informed content decisions that drive results by creating relevant, timely, and conversation-worthy content with a National Geographic lens across text and video platforms.

 

You will spearhead content creation from planning through publication, pitching content targeted for platform- specific audiences that meet acquisition goals. Experience and/or interest in Animals and Wildlife topics is preferred. The senior editor will work with and develop a network of seasoned writers and will adhere to editorial standards that drive results by being selective about story assignments, intentional with story structure, and creative in experimentation to advance Nat Geo’s digital content offering. They should have a keen understanding for how content is consumed on different digital platforms, and specifically how it should be optimized for Search and Social Media platforms.

 

While this senior digital editor will be expected to collaborate with editors across the entire editorial operation to adhere to digital best practices, they will be tuned into the daily conversation about animals and wildlife.

 

Responsibilities:

• Pitch and suggest framing for pitches at regularly scheduled brainstorm and pitch meetings

• Identify stories that align with each of our KPIs as well as what topic areas to experiment with

• Build and maintain freelance network of writers who are experts in topics related to animals and wildlife

• Participate in regular digital editorial pitch meetings throughout the week, being a leader in the conversation and executing on decisions made in it

• Collaborate with the Digital Engagement Team to advance editorial Search strategy, craft headlines and new digital tactics to try

• Collaborate with the Editorial Newsletter team to drive subscriptions and reader engagement

• Regularly collaborate with the Social team on digital content ideas, as well as bigger digital projects in alignment with the Social Media team

• Meet weekly with Manager of Digital Editorial for constant feedback on performance and what new topic areas or formats to experiment with

• Coach junior editors on the digital team as necessary.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of editorial experience in digital publishing.

• A strong background in editing, working and building a freelance network of writers, and a broad knowledge of search engine optimization with a proven track record for writing irresistible headlines are musts.

• Experience editing digital content across text and video platforms

• Engaging on-camera video skills

• Future-forward digital editing skills

• Experience using data-driving tools

• Ability to evolve story ideas out of brainstorms

• Ability to write digitally-optimized headlines and text

• A highly developed ability to recognize and create story ideas, including ideas with major visual and multimedia components

•  A commitment to diversity and inclusion

• Unflappability and a cheerful attitude under publishing pressures

• The ability to work cooperatively with a variety of personalities.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise or experience editing stories about animals and wildlife

• Previous experience creating content for social media

• A keen sense of the competitive media landscape, tried tactics and industry trends

• An understanding of priorities and demands of a large umbrella company, such as The Walt Disney Company

• Proven patience working effectively within an ever-changing environment

 

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Concentration in journalism, digital media or communications preferred)

 

***Please note, this team is in office 4x/week (Monday – Thursday, working from home on Friday) from our Washington, DC office.  This role is not open to any other location.

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $94,200.00to $126,200.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.