Senior Editor, Digital Features – National Geographic

Job Summary:

Are you curious about the future of Yellowstone? Do you have innovative ideas for how to climate-proof your backyard? We’re looking for a Senior Editor of Digital Features to shape thought-provoking pieces that engage new audiences with scientifically-sourced and history-rich storytelling.

This editing role leads the execution of content that gives context or a thought-provoking take on a trending topic, or enters conversation taking place in the zeitgeist with a big idea in a relevant and timely way. The editing is executed with a mobile audience in mind, strategically shaped by whatever the topic demands whether that be a short-form feature, social video, and at times, perhaps a long-form feature. Nevertheless, this conversation-worthy content will capture the spirit of curiosity and wonder that only National Geographic can deliver to its readers and followers.

The editor will spearhead story execution from planning through publication, pursuing content targeted for platform-specific audiences while also trying to reach new audiences. They will adhere to editorial standards that drive results and meet acquisition goals by being selective about story assignments, intentional with story structure, and creative in experimentation. 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, including on social video platforms.

While this senior digital editor will be expected to collaborate with editors across the entire editorial operation, they serve as the expert on where and how Nat Geo should engage in daily conversations across digital platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Pitch and suggest framing for story ideas at regularly scheduled pitch meetings
• Identify stories that align with our KPIs as well as what topic areas to experiment with
• Build and maintain freelance network of writers who are experts in the topics that Nat Geo covers
• Participate in regular digital editorial pitch meetings throughout the week, being a leader in the conversation and executing on decisions made
• Collaborate with the Digital Engagement Team to advance help craft headlines and new digital tactics
• Collaborate with the Editorial Newsletter team to drive subscriptions and reader engagement
• Regularly collaborate with the social team on digital content ideas
• Meet weekly with Senior 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 Requirements:

• Minimum of 6 years of editorial experience in digital publishing
• A strong background in editing with a broad knowledge of search engine optimization and a proven track record of irresistible headline writing are musts.
• Experience editing conversation-worthy content and shaping stories around engaging ideas that drive new audiences; 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; on-camera video skills
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Highly developed ability to recognize and create story ideas, including ideas with major visual and multimedia components
• Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of personalities. 
   

Preferred qualifications:

• Sharp conversational editing with intended tone
• Previous experience creating content for social media
• Keen sense of the competitive media landscape, tried tactics and industry trends
• 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
• Experience with social video ideation and promotion
• Expertise in the topic areas core to National Geographic

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably with a concentration in journalism, digital media or communications)
   

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $94,200.00 to $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.