Lead News Editor

Screen Rant is the #1 entertainment website on the web and publishes up-to-the-minute news on blockbuster movies, TV, video games, and comic books. Our editorial team is looking for an experienced Lead News Editor to oversee Movie/TV News content under the leadership of the Managing Editor. The selected candidate will have tremendous career growth opportunities within the organization. Please note that this role does not involve video editing or script editing.

The ideal candidate will be prepared to take charge of the News team and manage every aspect of it with the intention of continuing to grow it into a self-sustaining initiative. We will be relying on the selected candidate to apply their expertise in driving traffic, expanding coverage, improving article quality, and managing/growing a publication to Screen Rant's News team. 

​Responsibilities

• Participate in both team and site leadership
  • Liaise with Managing Editor regarding team progress, challenges, needs
  • Attend weekly Lead Editor meetings
  • Lead weekly News team meetings
• Create and implement a plan for sustained growth
  • Audit the section to determine what we're doing well, and identify areas that need change or improvement
  • Propose and implement effective solutions for achieving our ambitious output/sessions targets
• Content planning
  •  Research and identify topics and content types that will drive traffic using Google Analytics and other available data sources; find ways to greatly expand our current coverage
  • Source stories and angles for the writers/editors 
• Team management, development, and personnel growth support
  • Liaise with HR and participate in talent acquisition efforts
    • Source and identify potential editor candidates
    • Lead editor interviews
    • Approve writer application samples
• Oversee and manage all writers and editors on the News team
  • Ensure team is maintaining output targets and quality expectations; hold team accountable for missed opportunities 
  • Manage the internal development of both writers and editors
  • Guide new writer development and create development tracks for all team members
  • Provide feedback and ensure editors and adhering to SR's publication standards, and are contributing/editing the necessary amounts
• Editing
  • Assist other News editors in editing priority content when needed, adhering to SR's publication standards
• Writing
  •  As needed

Requirements

• Relevant, experience in senior editing roles (managing editor, deputy editor, editor-in-chief, lead editor) of a digital publication
• Image editing
• SEO
• Analytics (GA)
• Freelance writer management
• Proven track record of growing a team, expanding coverage, and driving traffic

Requirements

• Relevant experience in senior writing and editing roles (digital publications, entertainment content)
• An understanding of News content
• Broad working knowledge of Movies/TV in general, especially major franchises (DC Movies, MCU, Star Wars, Star Trek, popular streaming content)
• Quick learner with strong sense of urgency
• Excellent command of the English language
• Ability to write articles free of typos and grammatical errors

Applicants with experience in the following areas will be given favorable consideration:

• Image editing
• SEO
• Analytics (GA)
• Freelance writer management
• Proven track record of growing a team, expanding coverage, and driving traffic

Only applicants who possess the necessary skills and experience will be contacted, and only applications containing a resume and cover letter will be considered. It is essential that you demonstrate your breadth of knowledge of popular Movie/TV News content in your cover letter. You will not be considered for the role if this information is not included. If you would like to write about Movies/TV but do not have the required experience for this particular role, kindly visit our Movie/TV News Writer job posting and apply there instead. Please note that the next steps in the hiring process involve both a writing evaluation and an interview.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!