Senior News Editor, Current Events, PEOPLE

I. Job Summary | Major goals and objectives.

 The Senior News Editor will be responsible for coordinating PEOPLE’s personality-focused national affairs coverage with the Senior Editor to lead digital coverage for PEOPLE’s Current Events vertical. This includes leading digital coverage of key events and managing digital coverage, from routine daily news to breaking news situations that arise within the vertical; helping to develop strategy and content opportunities around trends, first families, national figures, and topical issues. The ideal candidate is a dynamic editor who’s extremely skilled at mining social media and other sources (both online and/or through contacts) for new and exclusive stories. A compelling storyteller, quick—and impeccable—line editor, writer (whenever needed), and headline writer.  Must have solid news judgment and the ability to prioritize and identify potentially high-traffic stories. This candidate would also need to be able to ideate key second beat and breakout posts, to fully leverage breaking and trending news stories. A fluent understanding of the digital landscape, including content streams, SEO and analytics is mandatory, and this editor needs to be extremely organized, efficient, and able to communicate quickly, clearly—and respectfully—to the team.  

II. Essential Job Functions

Approximate Weight % | Accountabilities, Actions and Expected Measurable Results 

40% - Finding, overseeing, assigning and editing a large volume of stories daily. Collaborating with the legal team on vetting stories.

30% - Strategizing coverage, making assignments and overseeing execution, drawing on the editorial calendar as well as data and analytics.

10% - Writing as needed/desired, and other duties as may be assigned.

10% - Overseeing the digital footprint on large-scale event coverage.

10% - Strategizing and preparing for news moments ahead of time.

III. Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements | All must be met to be considered.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism or communications, related field or equivalent training and/or experience.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years experience working in a high volume, digital news operation, with proven leadership experience.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work independently.

• Strong writing and editing skills, impeccable journalistic standards, and attention to detail.

• Ability to respond quickly to breaking news and understand how to prioritize urgent vs. non urgent content.

• An understanding of SEO and analytics.

• A proven ability to drive traffic!

• Strong management skills.

• Passion for and knowledge of national affairs-related issues, and a fluency in the media landscape.

% Travel Required (Approximate): not anticipated, but may be assigned.