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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Executive Editor

💰 $150,000 - $220,000

PublishingMediaContentEditorialLeadershipDigital Media

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned editorial leader with a passion for exceptional storytelling and a strategic vision for the future of digital media? This role requires a dynamic and inspiring Executive Editor to helm our content division. In this critical leadership role, you will be the chief architect of our editorial strategy, responsible for the quality, direction, and performance of all content. You will manage a talented team of editors and writers, foster a culture of innovation, and collaborate with key stakeholders across the organization to achieve ambitious growth and engagement goals. The ideal candidate is a master of both the art of content creation and the science of audience development, capable of steering our brand to new heights of influence and success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Managing Editor
  • Editorial Director
  • Senior Editor or Features Editor (with significant leadership experience)
  • Director of Content

Advancement To:

  • Editor-in-Chief (EIC)
  • VP, Content or Head of Content
  • Chief Content Officer
  • Head of Publishing

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Content Strategy
  • Head of Communications
  • Brand Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive, forward-thinking content strategy that aligns with the company's brand identity, audience growth targets, and revenue goals.
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of editors, writers, and content creators, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee the entire editorial lifecycle from ideation, commissioning, and creation to editing, production, and distribution across all digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
  • Champion and evolve the brand's voice, tone, and style, ensuring all content maintains the highest standards of quality, accuracy, integrity, and journalistic ethics.
  • Utilize data analytics, SEO best practices, and audience insights to inform content planning, optimize performance, and drive significant growth in traffic, engagement, and retention.
  • Manage the departmental budget, including freelance commissions, staff resources, and operational expenses, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to maximize impact and ROI.
  • Set the overarching editorial calendar, directing tentpole projects, special features, and major content initiatives from conception through execution and post-launch analysis.
  • Provide final review and approval on all high-impact and sensitive content, ensuring it meets strategic objectives and quality benchmarks before publication.
  • Cultivate and manage a robust network of high-profile freelance writers, industry experts, and influential contributors to enhance content diversity and authority.
  • Act as a primary representative and thought leader for the brand at industry events, in media appearances, and with key partners.
  • Direct the creation of a wide array of content formats, including long-form articles, investigative reports, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous standards for fact-checking, sourcing, and legal compliance (e.g., copyright, fair use) across the entire editorial department.
  • Analyze content performance metrics and market trends, delivering regular, insightful reports to senior leadership with actionable recommendations for strategic pivots.
  • Drive the editorial vision for visual storytelling, collaborating closely with photo and design departments to ensure a cohesive and compelling presentation.
  • Identify and nurture top talent within the editorial team, creating clear career paths and providing meaningful professional development opportunities.
  • Spearhead innovation by staying at the forefront of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging digital media technologies to pilot new content formats and platforms.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate closely with leaders in Marketing, Sales, Product, and Technology to create integrated campaigns and ensure content supports broader business objectives.
  • Work with the product and engineering teams to define requirements for the content management system (CMS) and other editorial tools to improve workflow efficiency.
  • Manage and nurture key content partnerships with other media outlets, brands, and organizations to syndicate content and expand brand reach.
  • Participate in strategic business planning, providing the editorial perspective on new market opportunities, audience expansion, and product development.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced SEO & Analytics: Deep expertise in SEO best practices, keyword research, and data analysis using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, or similar platforms to drive content strategy.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Proficiency with multiple enterprise-level CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, custom-built systems) and understanding of their capabilities.
  • Editorial & Style Mastery: Expert command of grammar, punctuation, and style, with a deep understanding of AP Style or a proprietary style guide.
  • Budget Management & Financial Acumen: Experience developing and managing complex editorial budgets, tracking expenses, and reporting on financial performance.
  • Project Management Software: Fluency in using tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira to manage complex editorial calendars and workflows.
  • Multimedia Content Knowledge: Familiarity with the production processes for video, podcasts, and other digital media formats.

Soft Skills

  • Visionary Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to inspire, manage, and develop a diverse team of creative professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
  • Exceptional Editorial Judgment: An impeccable sense of what makes a compelling, relevant, and high-quality story for a target audience.
  • Strategic & Analytical Thinking: The ability to translate data and market insights into a clear, long-term content vision and actionable strategy.
  • Superior Communication & Presentation Skills: The ability to articulate the editorial vision and performance results clearly and persuasively to team members, stakeholders, and executive leadership.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: A natural ability to build strong relationships and work effectively with other departments like marketing, sales, and product to achieve shared goals.
  • Decisiveness Under Pressure: Strong decision-making skills, especially when handling tight deadlines, breaking news, or sensitive subject matter.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • English
  • Marketing
  • Liberal Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 10-15+ years of progressive experience in editorial roles within a reputable media, publishing, or content-driven organization.
  • At least 5-7 years of direct people management and editorial leadership experience, including setting strategy and managing teams.

Preferred:

  • Extensive experience leading editorial teams in a fast-paced, digital-first environment.
  • A proven track record of significantly growing an audience through organic, data-informed content strategies.
  • Deep subject matter expertise in the brand's specific industry or niche is highly desirable.
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