Digital Editor

The Digital Editor contributes to and executes on National Geographic’s visually rich and scientifically sourced digital storytelling. This editing role makes data-informed content decisions that drive results by creating relevant, timely, and conversation-worthy content with a National Geographic lens across platforms.

The editor will spearhead content creation from planning through publication, pitching content targeted for platform-specific audiences that meet acquisition goals. They will adhere to editorial standards that drive results by being selective about story assignments, intentional with story structure, and creative in experimentation to advance the digital content offering. They should have a keen understanding for how content is consumed on different digital platforms, and specifically how it should be optimized for Search and Social platforms.

Experience with commissioning and editing stories on hard sciences, history, and/or archaeology is preferred. Ability to curate a robust network of freelancers for original and timely pitches is necessary.

While this digital editor will be expected to collaborate with editors across the entire editorial operation to adhere to digital best practices, they may also be called upon to host or contribute to social video explainers. The editor should be tuned into the daily conversation on their beat as well as able to commission pieces on trends and innovations in their field. 

Responsibilities:

• Pitch and suggest framing for pitches at regularly scheduled pitch meetings

• Identify stories that align with each of our KPIs as well as topic areas within science and/or history and archaeology to experiment with

• Build and maintain freelance network of writers

• Participate in regular digital editorial pitch meetings throughout the week, being a leader in the conversation and executing on decisions

• Collaborate with the Digital Engagement Team to advance editorial Search strategy, craft headlines and try new digital tactics

• Collaborate with the Editorial Newsletter team to drive subscriptions and reader engagement

• Regularly collaborate with the Social team on digital content ideas, as well as bigger digital projects in alignment with the Social team

• Meet weekly with Manager of Digital Editorial for constant feedback on performance and what new topic areas or formats to experiment with

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of editorial experience in digital publishing.

• Strong background in editing with a broad knowledge of search engine optimization and Proven track record of irresistible headline writing are musts.

• Future-forward digital editing skills

• Experience using data-driving tools

• Ability to evolve story ideas out of brainstorms

• Ability to write digitally optimized headlines and text
  Highly developed ability to recognize and create story ideas, including ideas with major visual and multimedia components

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion unflappability and a cheerful attitude under Publishing pressures the ability to work cooperatively with a variety of personalities

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience creating content for social media

• Keen sense of the competitive media landscape, tried tactics and industry trends

• an understanding of priorities and demands of a large umbrella company, such as The Walt Disney Company

• Proven patience working effectively within an ever-changing environment

• Experience with social video ideation and promotion

• Expertise in National Geographic’s core subject areas

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferably with a concentration in journalism, and/or digital media)

*Please note, this role is in office 4x/week (Monday – Thursday, working from home on Friday) in Washington, DC