Editor, Features (National Geographic)

5319 National Geographic Partners PAY SVC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 79,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Benefits package

Job summary

National Geographic is seeking an Editor, Features to oversee the development, commissioning and editing of stories and packages across digital and print platforms. The role demands an omnivorous editor who can manage diverse formats and topics with a sharp eye for storytelling and audience engagement.

The position emphasizes building relationships with writers, nurturing new voices, and guiding projects from conception through completion.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of editing experience with increasing editorial responsibility.
• Excellent editorial judgement and attention to detail.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills with knowledge of National Geographic brand.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, commissioning and editing of stories and packages.
• Develop new franchises and new ways of covering topics central to National Geographic.
• Oversee workflows to ensure timely delivery and adherence to word counts and specs.
• Cultivate relationships with writers and industry professionals, developing new voices and perspectives.
• Support project development, including contracts, scheduling, production stages and admin tasks.

Skills

Editorial judgement

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Brand knowledge

Project management

Time management

Self-motivation

Interpersonal skills

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelors degree

Tools

K4/InCopy CMS

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Cloud

AirTable

Editorial CMS

Job description

Editor, Features (National Geographic)

The Features Editor is responsible for building editorial projects across National Geographic's digital and print platforms. The ideal candidate is an omnivorous editor who moves fluidly across formats and story types, with a keen sense for dynamic storytelling – and an enthusiasm for a wide range of opportunities, from assigning a big profile, to dreaming up a smart package, to bringing clarity to a complicated graphic, to punching up a podcast script. They should possess connections with freelance writers and excitement for the topics and themes covered by National Geographic. They should be to help our readers gain a better understanding of the planet and our place within it. Strongly desired for this position is journalistic experience in areas that include science, history, archaeology, as well as innovation, technology and medical science.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development, commissioning and editing of stories and packages.
• Develop new franchises and new ways of covering topics and themes central to National Geographic’s mission.
• Manage related workflows to ensure that pieces come together in a timely manner and adhere to word counts, factual accuracy, and other specs.
• Develop, nurture, and maintain new and ongoing relationships with writers and industry professionals with an emphasis on developing new voices and diverse perspectives.
• Report to Senior Manager, Features on project development and challenges, assist in feature management, including contracts, scheduling, production stages, and administrative tasks, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of editing experience that demonstrates increasing editorial responsibility with a media organization(s), while managing content.
• Outstanding editorial judgement, strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills, strong knowledge of the National Geographic brand and mission, and demonstrated expertise in related core topic areas.
• Ability to take overall responsibility for concept and content, as well as manage creative relationships.
• Keen understanding of various approaches to storytelling, and ability to manage multiple projects at once, on deadline.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to work with minimal supervision, problem-solve creatively, and exercise independent judgement.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to create impact and bring fresh ideas within a team while working collaboratively in highly matrixed conditions with colleagues outside editorial, including communications and marketing, and business support (sales, promotion, and development).
• Proven track record in growing print and digital audiences and expanding audience demographics.
• Curiosity about the planet and our place within it and the ability to grasp new subject matter quickly.
• Understanding of the editorial process from conception to completion, and demonstrated ability to resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, Editorial CMS (K4/InCopy), digital media platforms; knowledge of AirTable is a plus.

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year and in New York, NY is $83,200 to $111,500 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.

Employment Type: Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code: USA - NY - 7 Hudson Square