Head of Editorial
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Set editorial strategy and annual content priorities
- Define and maintain brand voice and editorial standards
- Lead and develop editors, writers, and contributors
- Oversee content planning and publishing calendars
- Edit and approve high-impact content for quality and accuracy
- Partner with product, marketing, and communications teams on content goals
- Use audience insights to guide content decisions
- Improve editorial workflows and production efficiency
- Manage budgets, freelance spend, and vendor relationships
- Handle sensitive topics, corrections, and editorial risk management
Top Skills for Success
Editorial Leadership
Editing
Storytelling
Content Strategy
Brand Voice Development
Audience Research
Content Planning
Stakeholder Management
People Management
Performance Measurement
Project Management
Change Management
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Managing Editor
Director of Content
Director of Editorial
Editorial Director
Transition Opportunities
Chief Content Officer
VP of Content
Head of Brand
Head of Communications
Head of Content Marketing
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Performance MeasurementBudget ManagementExecutive CommunicationWorkflow DesignHiring and Team DesignCross-functional Leadership
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple editorial performance dashboard, own a quarterly budget, and practice executive-ready updates that tie content output to measurable outcomes. Take ownership of one end-to-end workflow improvement and document clear standards for quality, reviews, and publishing.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 90,000 to 130,000
Mid LevelUSD 130,000 to 190,000
Senior LevelUSD 190,000 to 260,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand in digital media, B2B, and consumer brands, with increased emphasis on audience growth, content performance, and efficient production.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Digital publishersNews organizationsConsumer brandsB2B software companiesEcommerce companiesEducation platformsHealthcare organizationsFinancial services companiesNonprofit organizationsAgencies
Industry Sectors
MediaTechnologyRetailHealthcareFinanceEducationProfessional servicesNonprofit
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a one-page editorial strategy that outlines audience, pillars, formats, and success measures2
Build a portfolio of leadership examples such as team growth, process improvements, and content wins3
Standardize editorial guidelines and review processes to improve quality and consistency4
Run a quarterly content planning cadence with clear owners, deadlines, and priorities5
Partner with analytics teams to define a small set of content success measures6
Develop a hiring plan and skills matrix for the editorial team7
Strengthen cross-functional alignment by setting shared goals with marketing, product, and communications