Executive Editor, Them

Location:

Them is seeking an experienced editorial leader to shape and execute its coverage across platforms and oversee its daily operations. Working closely with the editor-in-chief and site director, the executive editor will help lead a small, tight-knit team of editors and writers covering LGBTQ+ news, culture, and lifestyle through a range of formats. This will include working on editorial strategy at a high level, event programming, creative production for special projects like podcasts, video series, and other content-based initiatives throughout the year. The executive editor will be expected to assign and edit features for story packages and traffic quota. They will also work closely with section editors on shaping angles and assigning news blogs and features, often serving as the final set of eyes on a story before it runs. 

Candidates for this role should be highly motivated and organized, with both excellent editorial judgment and superb people skills. They should have a strong knowledge of and passion for LGBTQ+ media and storytelling, including a deep understanding of ongoing fights for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. and beyond as well as queer history and pop culture. They should also be knowledgeable about digital media content strategy and LGBTQ+ audiences. As a storyteller, they should be creative, resourceful, and curious. As an editor, they should be highly experienced, scrupulous, and quick. As a manager, they should be sensitive, communicative, and emotionally attuned. They will be expected to lead with encouragement, enthusiasm, mentorship, and helping team members stay self-motivated, solve problems, and meet their personal goals. This person should also have a robust roster of freelancers and an overall dedication to making both the site and the newsroom ever more diverse and inclusive for people with varied backgrounds, personalities, and skills. Candidates should be based in New York City or willing to relocate. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the editor-in-chief and site director in shaping Them’s overall coverage strategy.

• Lead regular editorial meetings and brainstorms.

• Oversee Them’s editorial calendar, ensuring stories are publishing on time and long-term programming is set. 

• Work with section editors to continually shape coverage plans and areas of focus for their sections, and ensure those plans are being followed.

• Work with the news editor to ensure Them’s response to news is timely and original

• Alongside the editor-in-chief, collaborate closely with the social media and audience development team to track audience KPIs, and work with section editors to ensure those targets are being met and opportunities for growth are being identified.

• As needed, top edit content, write headlines, and serve as lead editor on ambitious features.

• Cultivate relationships with and build a diverse and inclusive contributor network for Them by proactively sourcing and bringing in new writers and editors for assignments.

• Collaborate with the editor-in-chief to lead tentpoles and special projects and to expand Them’s multimedia storytelling through audio, video, and other channels.

• Directly manage other editors – provide effective feedback, coaching, and mentorship with the goal of growing their pitching, writing, and editing skills. 

• Oversee hiring and performance management for direct reports, fostering a transparent, respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.

• Implement clear processes and communication channels for the team – delegate work effectively, provide clear direction, and help team members resolve challenges

• Represent Them internally and externally.

• Additional duties as required, or as assigned by manager

Required skills and qualifications:

• Experience leading fast-moving digital editorial operations in a competitive environment

• Experience shaping editorial packages and tentpoles 

• Deep knowledge of LGBTQ+ news and culture 

• Impeccable editing skills and editorial judgment on both news and long-form reporting, and experience handling legally sensitive stories

• Prior people management experience and a demonstrated excitement for mentoring and nurturing junior talent

• Strong emotional intelligence and communication skills 

• Exceptional organizational skills, with an ability to efficiently juggle many responsibilities and tasks

• Fluency in newsroom analytics and experience in using them to shape decision-making

The expected base salary range for this position is from $115,000-$130,000.  Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Condé Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.