Editorial Manager

Career Guide

An Editorial Manager leads the planning, creation, and quality control of written content. They manage editors and writers, set editorial standards, keep work on schedule, and ensure content aligns with brand voice, audience needs, and business goals.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Build and maintain the editorial calendar
Assign stories and manage workloads
Edit and proofread content for clarity and accuracy
Maintain style guidelines and brand voice
Coach writers and editors through feedback and training
Coordinate with design, marketing, and product teams
Manage content workflows and approvals
Track content performance and report results
Oversee freelance hiring, onboarding, and budgets
Ensure ethical standards and fact checking practices

Top Skills for Success

Editing

Copyediting

Proofreading

Storytelling

Content Strategy

Editorial Planning

Style Guide Management

Project Management

People Management

Stakeholder Management

Performance Coaching

Content Analytics

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Editorial Manager

Managing Editor

Editor in Chief

Head of Content

Content Director

Transition Opportunities

Content Marketing Manager

Brand Manager

Communications Manager

UX Writer

Knowledge Management Lead

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Content MeasurementBudget ManagementCross Functional CommunicationEditorial OperationsSearch OptimizationWorkflow Tooling

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple measurement routine using a small set of agreed metrics, lead at least one end to end content project with timelines and dependencies, and practice presenting results to non editorial partners. Ask to own a small budget line such as freelancers, and standardize workflows using clear briefs, checklists, and review stages.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 55,000 to 75,000

Mid LevelUSD 75,000 to 105,000

Senior LevelUSD 105,000 to 145,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand with continued hiring in digital publishing, content marketing, and product led companies. Competition is higher for top roles, with employers prioritizing strong leadership and measurable content impact.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Condé NastThe New York TimesThe Washington PostVox MediaBuzzFeedDotdash MeredithNetflixHubSpotSalesforceShopify

Industry Sectors

Media and publishingMarketing agenciesSoftware as a serviceEcommerceConsumer brandsEducation technologyHealthcareFinancial services

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio that shows before and after edits and the outcomes achieved

Write a one page editorial strategy for a sample brand with audience, goals, and content themes

Build an editorial calendar template and use it to plan a month of content

Strengthen leadership skills by mentoring a writer or leading peer reviews

Learn basic content analytics and report on three recent pieces using a consistent format

Standardize a style guide and apply it across a small content set

Update your resume with measurable impact such as engagement, conversion, retention, or time saved