Guardian US seeks a creative, collaborative and science-driven editor to build our new wellbeing and lifestyle vertical.
In this role, you will conceptualize and deliver a new section for the Guardian’s US that will bring science, rigor and an original voice to coverage of the trillion dollar health and wellness industry and offer readers thoughtful, actionable journalism and essays about how to lead healthy, meaningful, joyful lives in our complicated world.
Topics might span mental health, longevity science, exercise trends, the future of food, sustainable eating, consumption, biohacking and the anti-aging industry and much more. A key goal of the section will be to interrogate and challenge the flood of questionable health and self-care trends and research, and bring skepticism to this beat. We want to meet readers where they are, and appeal to those currently underserved by wellness coverage that caters only to perfection-obsessed elite consumers. We also hope to find an editor who can help us tackle these topics with voice, humor and flair.
From how smart phones are changing our brains – and what you can do about it – to the impact of microplastics in the food supply on our bodies, to essays about the ethics of of having kids in the midst of the climate crisis, the section will offer must-read service journalism and thoughtful first-person pieces to help readers make sound decisions about living well.
The right candidate will be full of ideas for how to launch and build the new section, and be a great manager of people and process. They will be equally at ease editing science-based service journalism or coaching writers through a first person piece that offers readers useful information. They will have a track record of delivering memorable stories, projects or series, and should have a solid roster of writers. Experience working across formats, including visual journalism, video and social storytelling is a plus. The editor will be managing two staff writers, as well as freelance contributors. They should show a deep curiosity about the world, and their commissions should reflect a commitment to diversity.
There will be excellent candidates who may make great new hires but don’t have all the experience or skills listed in this job description. We encourage you to apply nonetheless and tell us why this job would be a great fit for you.
The job is open to remote or NYC-based candidates, so the ability to collaborate and build relationships across the organization is essential.
Key responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Head of narrative and lifestyle to conceptualize, execute and deliver the vision for the section
- Oversee the day-to-day output of the section, managing of two staff writers and freelance writers, as well as editing and publishing of pieces
- Experiment with new formats, such as pop-up newsletters, photo essays, social media posts, photo essays, etc
- Participate in recruiting and hiring for new section roles
Key skills & experience:
- At least five years’ editing or newsroom experience
- Strong writing skills and editorial judgment; curiosity and flair
- Experience in science or health journalism preferred
- Excellent managing skills
- The ability to implement workflow processes for a team
- Organized and deadline oriented with the ability to meet launch deadlines
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach; the ability to build bridges across the newsroom
Salary range: $110,000 – $130,000
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