Managing Editor
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Own the editorial calendar and publishing schedule
- Assign stories and content projects to writers and editors
- Edit for clarity, structure, accuracy, and tone
- Maintain editorial standards and style guidelines
- Manage workflow from pitch to publication
- Coordinate with design, audience, and product partners
- Review headlines, summaries, and page layouts for quality
- Coach writers and editors through feedback and training
- Track performance results and adjust coverage priorities
- Manage corrections, updates, and content governance
Top Skills for Success
Line Editing
Copy Editing
Content Strategy
Editorial Judgment
Story Development
Headline Writing
Fact Checking
Style Guide Management
Workflow Management
People Management
Stakeholder Communication
Data Literacy
Search Optimization
Content Management Systems
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Editor in Chief
Editorial Director
Head of Content
Content Strategy Director
Audience Director
Transition Opportunities
Content Operations Manager
Program Manager
Communications Director
Brand Director
Product Marketing Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Performance ReportingSearch OptimizationEditorial OperationsBudget ManagementChange ManagementCross Functional LeadershipContent GovernanceAudience Development
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple weekly dashboard that tracks traffic, engagement, and conversions. Lead one workflow improvement project such as intake, assignment, or editing standards. Partner with an audience specialist to set targets for search and newsletter growth, then document what changes drive results.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 70,000 to 95,000
Mid LevelUSD 95,000 to 130,000
Senior LevelUSD 130,000 to 180,000
Growth Trend
Stable demand with shifts toward digital first publishing, audience growth, and content operations. Openings are strongest at organizations with frequent publishing and clear revenue goals.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
The New York TimesThe Washington PostThe Wall Street JournalBloombergReutersCondé NastVox MediaDotdash MeredithGannettHearstNetflixSpotify
Industry Sectors
News and JournalismMagazines and Lifestyle MediaBusiness MediaTechnology MediaEntertainment MediaStreaming and AudioCorporate CommunicationsEducation PublishingNonprofit PublishingMarketing Agencies
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio that shows before and after edits and explains impact2
Write and publish an editorial standards document and a style guide update3
Run a quarterly content planning process with clear themes and deadlines4
Practice coaching by giving structured feedback and tracking improvement5
Learn basic performance reporting and set measurable publishing goals6
Strengthen collaboration with design, audience, and product partners7
Prepare interview stories that show prioritization under tight deadlines