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Senior Editor, Generalist- National Geographic

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10102874 Location Washington, DC, United States Business Disney Entertainment Television Date posted Oct. 02, 2024

Job Summary:

The Senior Editor will be responsible for assigning, editing, and publishing world-class editorial projects across National Geographic’s digital and print platforms. The ideal candidate for this role is an experienced editor with an uncommon talent for finding and shaping great stories and possesses deep connections with freelance writers. They should be passionate about storytelling and excited to commission and edit work that helps readers gain a better understanding of the planet and our place within it. They should also bring a forward-thinking editorial sensibility to our team.

What You Will Do:

  • Manage the development, commissioning and editing of stories and packages. This includes developing new franchises and new ways of covering topics and themes central to National Geographic’s mission.
  • Manage related workflows to ensure that pieces come together in a timely manner and adhere to word counts, factual accuracy, and other specs.
  • Develop, nurture, and maintain new and ongoing relationships with writers and industry professionals with an emphasis on developing new voices and diverse perspectives.
  • Report to Editorial Director Multi-Platform Features on project development and challenges, assist in feature management, including contracts, scheduling, production stages, and administrative tasks, as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

  • Minimum of 6+ years of editing experience that demonstrates increasing editorial responsibility with a media organization(s), while managing content.
  • Outstanding editorial judgement, strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent writing and verbal communications skills, strong knowledge of the National Geographic brand and mission, and demonstrated expertise in related core topic areas.
  • Ability to take overall responsibility for concept and content, as well as manage creative relationships.
  • Keen understanding of various approaches to storytelling, and ability to manage multiple projects at once, on deadline.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to work with minimal supervision, problem solve creatively, and exercise independent judgment.
  • Ability to create impact and bring fresh ideas within a team while working collaboratively in highly matrixed conditions with colleagues outside editorial, including communications and marketing, and business support (sales, promotion, and development).
  • Proven track record in growing print and digital audiences and expanding audience demographics.
  • Curiosity about the planet and our place within it and the ability to grasp new subject matter quickly.
  • Understanding of the editorial process from conception to completion, and demonstrated ability to resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, Editorial CMS (K4/InCopy), digital media platforms; knowledge of AirTable is a plus.

Education: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.

National Geographic Content is devoted to illuminating the wonder of our world and inspiring people to protect it through our storytelling across platforms, including television and film in linear and streaming, print and digital experiences, and social media, where we have more followers than any other brand in the world. The National Geographic Editorial team is responsible for engaging both new and existing audiences through the creation and distribution of best-in-class content for our magazines (National Geographic, National Geographic Kids and Little Kids, National Geographic History, and single-topic newsstand specials), digital platforms (NationalGeographic.com and our app), and social accounts. We work across all media types, including photography, video, text, graphics and data visualization, cartography, and interactive digital experiences. Our primary aim is to use our storytelling to drive growth in followers, engaged newsletter audiences, subscribers, and loyal users who stay with us because they love how we inspire, entertain, and inform them. 


The hiring range for this position in Washington DC is $94,200 to $126,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

About Disney Entertainment Television:

Disney Entertainment Television is a collection of renowned content brands at The Walt Disney Company creating original entertainment and news programming for the company’s streaming platforms Disney+, Hulu and Star, and its broadcast and cable networks. Its extensive portfolio is comprised of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Branded Television, Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content and Onyx Collective, in addition to Disney Television Studios, which include 20th Television, 20th Television Animation, ABC Signature and Walt Disney Television Alternative. Responsible for over 4,500 hours of programming a year across more than 300 programs of all genres, Disney Entertainment Television’s creative brands are at the forefront of groundbreaking storytelling, captivating audiences and generating critical acclaim. In 2023, Disney Entertainment Television’s programming excellence earned 163 Emmy® nominations across daytime, primetime, news & documentary, and children’s & family categories.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment Television.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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