Senior Editor, Digital Features – National Geographic

Job ID 10104615 Location Washington, DC, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Oct. 28, 2024

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Job Summary:

Job Summary:

Are you curious about the future of Yellowstone? Do you have innovative ideas for how to climate-proof your backyard? We’re looking for a Senior Editor of Digital Features to shape thought-provoking pieces that engage new audiences with scientifically-sourced and history-rich storytelling.

This editing role leads the execution of content that gives context or a thought-provoking take on a trending topic, or enters conversation taking place in the zeitgeist with a big idea in a relevant and timely way. The editing is executed with a mobile audience in mind, strategically shaped by whatever the topic demands whether that be a short-form feature, social video, and at times, perhaps a long-form feature. Nevertheless, this conversation-worthy content will capture the spirit of curiosity and wonder that only National Geographic can deliver to its readers and followers.

The editor will spearhead story execution from planning through publication, pursuing content targeted for platform-specific audiences while also trying to reach new audiences. They will adhere to editorial standards that drive results and meet acquisition goals by being selective about story assignments, intentional with story structure, and creative in experimentation. 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 Media, including on social video platforms.

While this senior digital editor will be expected to collaborate with editors across the entire editorial operation, they serve as the expert on where and how Nat Geo should engage in daily conversations across digital platforms.

Responsibilities:

Pitch and suggest framing for story ideas at regularly scheduled pitch meetings
Identify stories that align with our KPIs as well as what topic areas to experiment with
Build and maintain freelance network of writers who are experts in the topics that Nat Geo covers
Participate in regular digital editorial pitch meetings throughout the week, being a leader in the conversation and executing on decisions made
Collaborate with the Digital Engagement Team to advance help craft headlines and 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
Meet weekly with Senior Manager of Digital Editorial for constant feedback on performance and what new topic areas or formats to experiment with
Coach junior editors on the digital team as necessary.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum of 6 years of editorial experience in digital publishing
A strong background in editing with a broad knowledge of search engine optimization and a proven track record of irresistible headline writing are musts.
Experience editing conversation-worthy content and shaping stories around engaging ideas that drive new audiences; 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; on-camera video skills
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Highly developed ability to recognize and create story ideas, including ideas with major visual and multimedia components
Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of personalities.

Preferred qualifications:

Sharp conversational editing with intended tone
Previous experience creating content for social media
Keen sense of the competitive media landscape, tried tactics and industry trends
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 the topic areas core to National Geographic

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree (preferably with a concentration in journalism, digital media or communications)

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $94,200.00 to $126,200.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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