Senior Culture Editor, ELLE

Hearst Magazines; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work with top-tier professionals

Access to training and workshops

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

A renowned media company is looking for a Senior Culture Editor to lead its culture section. The role involves overseeing entertainment and arts coverage, conducting celebrity interviews, and managing relationships with industry talents. Ideal candidates will have over 6 years of editorial experience, strong writing and editing skills, and a passion for pop culture. This position offers a hybrid work model in New York City and includes comprehensive benefits, ensuring a balanced professional and personal life.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of post-grad experience, ideally at a major editorial brand.
• Deep familiarity with ELLE’s tone and voice, and passion for pop culture.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culture section covering entertainment and the arts.
• Plan strategic coverage for TV, film, music, and cultural events.
• Collaborate with print editors on features and brand storytelling.

Skills

Strong editorial judgment

Sharp writing skills

Clean line-editing skills

Familiarity with pop culture

Proficiency with CMS and SEO tools

Education

6+ years of post-grad experience

Tools

Google Analytics

Job description

Senior Culture Editor, ELLE

Overview (Why This Role?)

ELLE is seeking a sharp, strategic, and culturally tuned‑in editor to lead our culture section—covering the full spectrum of entertainment and the arts. From shaping high‑impact celebrity interviews to planning coverage around can’t‑miss pop culture moments, this role is at the center of how ELLE defines culture for millions of readers.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics—inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting‑edge technology, and industry‑leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Assign, edit, and top‑edit daily news, features, and awards coverage for ELLE’s culture section
• Plan strategic coverage around TV, film, music, books, and major cultural events
• Book talent for interviews, digital video, social activations, and editorial features
• Collaborate with print editors on long‑lead features and cohesive brand storytelling
• Manage a network of freelancers for evergreen stories, essays, interviews, and more
• Partner with SEO and analytics teams to optimize and strategize around content performance
• Maintain and grow relationships with publicists, studios, publishing houses, and labels
• Represent ELLE at key industry events, including film festivals and red carpets

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 6+ years of post‑grad experience, ideally at a major editorial brand
• Strong editorial judgment with sharp writing and clean line‑editing skills
• Deep familiarity with ELLE’s tone and voice, and a passion for pop culture and the arts
• A track record of discovering rising voices and talent in the culture space
• Proficiency with CMS platforms, SEO tools, and Google Analytics
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative newsroom environment
• Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed to cover timely events
• Hybrid: This position is based in NYC and requires working in the office 4 days a week

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top‑tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work‑Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well‑being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $74,000 - $89,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is a position covered under the Writers Guild of America, East, Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Media Production