OVERVIEW
What Is a Managing Editor?
Managing editors oversee every step in the content production process, from developing campaigns and scheduling assignments to fine-tuning content strategy and proofreading copy. They’re senior members of an organization’s management team and typically report directly to the editor-in-chief. Serving as pivotal visionaries, managing editors shape editorial goals and direct the efforts of senior editors, associate editors, copy editors, copywriters, and other staff.
A significant aspect of the managing editor's job involves reviewing content to ensure that it’s clear and accurate and that it authentically represents the organization's values and brand voice. Managing editors also play a crucial role in optimizing the content production process. By streamlining workflows, reducing bottlenecks, and regularly auditing procedures to find inefficiencies, they enhance productivity and foster continuous improvement. Managing editors also act as liaisons between editorial teams and other stakeholders, facilitating transparent communication and goal alignment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Managing Editor Do?
A managing editor's job involves a mix of production-related duties and management responsibilities. In this dynamic role, no two days are the same. Managing editors handle a variety of tasks, including:
- Overseeing content creation, including writing, editing, and publishing processes.
- Proofreading and editing copy to check for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to brand voice.
- Creating and managing the editorial calendar to ensure consistent, achievable workloads.
- Recruiting, hiring, and training editorial staff.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to align content strategy with organizational objectives.
- Creating and regularly updating the organization’s style guide.
- Setting milestones and deadlines for content production.
- Guiding and directing staff writers, copywriters, content editors, associate editors, and assistant editors.
- Writing reports for the editor-in-chief summarizing content production rates, readership, audience engagement, and other metrics.
- Evaluating the efficacy of various content strategies and implementing data-driven adjustments.
- Identifying trends and keeping track of industry developments to ensure that content remains relevant to the target audience.
- Ensuring that content complies with intellectual property laws, ethical standards, and best practices.
Where Do Managing Editors Work?
Managing editors can work in a wide variety of settings. Some are employed by one company, while others work as freelancers for multiple clients. Organizations that often hire managing editors include:
- Magazine and newspaper publishers
- Book publishers
- Marketing agencies
- News websites and other online publications
- E-commerce websites
- Social media platforms
- Broadcast media companies
- Technical writing firms
- Financial institutions
- Universities and other educational institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Managing Editor?
A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, creative writing, English, or a related field can provide a strong educational foundation for a managing editor job. These degrees cover essential industry knowledge and skills in message creation, communications planning, writing, rhetoric, and technical communication. Earning a master’s degree in a relevant field can help a prospective managing editor further develop their skills. A master’s degree may also be necessary for advanced or specialized positions. Professional certifications, including the Certified Professional Editor (CPE) and the American Copy Editors Society (ACES) Certificate in Editing, can also demonstrate an editor’s competency and commitment to professional growth.
In many cases, managing editors begin their career journeys working as copywriters, content editors, or associate editors. These roles offer individuals practical experience in writing, editing, and content strategy, enabling them to apply the theoretical knowledge they acquired in school to real-world scenarios.
Best Degrees for a Managing Editor
Business
Communications – B.S.
An online communications program designed for students who want real-world...
An online communications program designed for students who want real-world skills for a variety of industries.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Strategic Communications
- Crisis Communication
- Content Creation
- Value-Based Leadership
- Project Management
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does a Managing Editor Make?
$89,060
According to Zippia, the median annual income for managing editors is $89,060. Typically, managing editors earn between $59,000 and $132,000 per year. A managing editor’s salary can vary based on their industry, experience, and education. Those with significant on-the-job experience are more likely to qualify for advanced positions with higher pay.
What Is the Job Outlook for a Managing Editor?
4%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for editors will decline by 4% from 2022 to 2032. However, projections indicate that there will still be approximately 11,600 editor job openings each year during this period. As print publications become less common, many organizations and editors are transitioning to digital platforms. The BLS reports that overall employment in communication and media jobs will grow about as fast as average from 2022 to 2032.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Managing Editor Need?
This dynamic role requires creativity, innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Some of the most essential skills needed to succeed as a managing editor include:
- People management. Because they fulfill a management role with significant responsibilities, managing editors should be adept at inspiring, guiding, and directing others.
- Writing. Proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax allows managing editors to craft accurate, engaging, and relevant content.
- Editing and proofreading. Using meticulous attention to detail, managing editors review text for errors. They adjust the tone, structure, and style of the content to improve readability.
- Research and fact-checking. Because they assess copy for accuracy, managing editors need strong research skills.
- Business savvy. By understanding marketing, operations management, finance, and other business essentials, managing editors can better align their efforts with organizational objectives.
- Creativity. Whether they’re refining copy or solving complex problems, managing editors rely on out-of-the-box thinking to achieve their goals.
- Search engine optimization. As most content is published online, managing editors should understand how to enhance copy through keyword integration and other SEO strategies.
- Collaboration. Managing editors work closely with marketing, sales, IT, and project management teams.
- Technological proficiency. Familiarity with word processors, editing software, project management platforms, and other digital tools is essential.
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