Books Desk Editor: Lead Editorial Strategy & Coverage

The New York Times; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Variable pay bonus

Stock options

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

The New York Times is seeking a visionary editor to lead its Books coverage, overseeing the Books desk and the Book Review's editorial strategy while guiding coverage across our website, app, newsletters, audio, video and social platforms.

The ideal candidate will manage a high‑performing team, blend rigorous analysis with engaging storytelling, ensure diverse voices, and drive digital transformation while maintaining journalistic independence; the role is in‑office in New York with four days in

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in journalism or cultural criticism.
• 5+ years in a significant leadership or managerial role within a major media organization.
• Deep, comprehensive knowledge of the publishing industry, contemporary literature, publishing trends, and the cultural conversations surrounding books.
• Proven experience leading digital transformations, with a sophisticated vision and understanding of audience engagement and digital storytelling.
• Demonstrated exceptional editing skills, with the ability to sharpen complex critiques, elevate prose, and guide writers toward their best work under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the overarching editorial strategy for books coverage, balancing the authoritative, deeply analytical tradition of The Book Review with innovative, inviting and accessible digital offerings.
• Ensure coverage reflects a wide, diverse range of voices, genres, backgrounds, and ideological perspectives, and reflects the broad world of publishing, from mainstream blockbusters to important literary and non-fiction works.
• Oversee the selection of books to be reviewed, ensuring the Times remains the definitive voice in the literary world.
• Direct high-profile projects, including the "10 Best Books of the Year," the "100 Notable Books," and develop new books franchises.
• Produce aggressive coverage of the publishing industry, from the economics of bookselling and marketing to debates about writing, plagiarism, artificial intelligence, ideological disputes, marquee authors and more.
• Collaborate with product, audio, video, and design teams to expand the Books desk’s footprint across formats.
• Use audience insights to understand reader behavior and optimize headline writing, packaging, and publishing schedules while maintaining editorial integrity.
• Manage, mentor, and inspire a dedicated team of editors, staff critics, and reporters, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth.
• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
• You will report to a Masthead Editor.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Digital storytelling

Audience engagement

Journalism

Job description

The New York Times is seeking a visionary editor to lead its Books coverage, overseeing the Books desk and the Book Review's editorial strategy while guiding coverage across our website, app, newsletters, audio, video and social platforms.

The ideal candidate will manage a high‑performing team, blend rigorous analysis with engaging storytelling, ensure diverse voices, and drive digital transformation while maintaining journalistic independence; the role is in‑office in New York with four days in