Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Managing Editor

💰 $85,000 - $135,000

EditorialContent ManagementMediaPublishingLeadership

🎯 Role Definition

We are on the hunt for a dynamic and experienced Managing Editor to serve as the operational and strategic leader of our editorial department. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the entire content lifecycle, from ideation and strategy to publication and performance analysis. The ideal candidate is a master storyteller, a meticulous editor, and an inspiring leader who can mentor a team of talented writers and editors. You will be instrumental in shaping our brand's voice, growing our audience, and ensuring every piece of content we produce is engaging, accurate, and aligned with our company's mission.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Editor
  • Content Manager
  • Lead Copywriter / Lead Writer

Advancement To:

  • Editor-in-Chief
  • Director of Content
  • Head of Editorial Strategy

Lateral Moves:

  • Senior Content Strategist
  • Communications Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the editorial department, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow from content conception to publication.
  • Develop, manage, and maintain a comprehensive editorial calendar that aligns with strategic business goals, marketing campaigns, and audience engagement targets.
  • Manage, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team of in-house and freelance writers, editors, and content creators, providing regular feedback and professional development.
  • Uphold and enforce rigorous editorial standards, including style, grammar, tone of voice, and brand consistency across all content formats and platforms.
  • Personally edit and approve high-priority, sensitive, or long-form content, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and impact.
  • Lead editorial meetings to brainstorm innovative story ideas, content series, and new formats that will captivate our target audience.
  • Collaborate closely with the SEO team to develop a content strategy that drives organic traffic growth and improves search engine rankings for key terms.
  • Monitor and analyze content performance metrics using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and internal dashboards to inform future content strategy and optimize for engagement.
  • Manage the editorial budget, including freelancer payments, tool subscriptions, and other departmental expenses, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
  • Stay at the forefront of industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging digital publishing technologies to ensure our content remains relevant and competitive.
  • Direct the visual direction of content, collaborating with graphic designers and video producers to create compelling multimedia assets.
  • Ensure all published content is legally compliant, fact-checked, and properly sourced to maintain the integrity and credibility of our brand.
  • Manage the content promotion and distribution strategy across various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and partner sites, to maximize reach and impact.
  • Recruit, hire, and onboard new editorial staff, building a diverse and talented team capable of achieving ambitious content goals.
  • Act as the final gatekeeper for all published material, providing the final sign-off before content goes live.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with marketing, product, and sales departments to create content that supports broader company initiatives and product launches.
  • Develop and document editorial guidelines, style guides, and best-practice workflows to scale content production efficiently.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with industry experts, influencers, and contributors to enrich our content and expand our authority.
  • Represent the publication and brand at industry conferences, panels, and networking events.
  • Support ad-hoc content requests and exploratory analysis to identify new growth opportunities and audience segments.
  • Contribute to the organization's overall content strategy and long-term vision in collaboration with senior leadership.
  • Collaborate with product and tech teams to define requirements for CMS enhancements, new site features, and improved user experience.
  • Participate in cross-functional strategic planning sessions, providing the editorial perspective on company-wide objectives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-Level Editing: Mastery of copyediting, line editing, and developmental editing, with an impeccable command of grammar, spelling, and style (e.g., AP Style, Chicago).
  • SEO & Analytics: Deep understanding of SEO best practices, keyword research, and proficiency with analytics tools (Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, etc.).
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Extensive experience managing and publishing content using platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or a proprietary CMS.
  • Project Management Tools: Proficiency in using project management software like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira to manage complex editorial workflows.
  • Digital Publishing: Strong knowledge of digital content formats, including articles, video, podcasts, infographics, and social media.
  • Budget Management: Experience creating and managing departmental budgets, tracking expenses, and processing invoices.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a creative team, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, translate business goals into a cohesive content strategy, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Exceptional Communication: World-class written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback.
  • Organizational Prowess: Superb organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines simultaneously.
  • Creativity & Innovation: A passion for storytelling and a drive to innovate with new content formats and distribution methods.
  • Decisiveness: The confidence to make final editorial decisions quickly and effectively, often under pressure.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • English
  • Communications
  • Marketing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10+ years of progressive experience in digital media, publishing, or content marketing, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role.

Preferred: A proven track record of growing an audience for a digital publication and experience managing a remote or hybrid editorial team.

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