Observer Editorial Assistant

Observer is hiring an editorial assistant to ensure the edit team runs smoothly and efficiently. This critical role will help establish and maintain the workflows and documentation necessary to move forward. 

Successful candidates

  • Are highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented, self-starters 

  • Thrive in fast-paced environments and are comfortable navigating uncertainty

  • Ask questions and exhibit a growth mindset

  • Have a strong interest in digital publishing

Responsibilities

  • Team support

    • Lead daily team meetings

    • Manage the editorial calendar, inclusive of all staff and freelance articles. Ensure coverage of holidays/events/conferences/awards relevant to our content strategy and that articles are scheduled for every day of the week (incl. holidays) 

  • Freelancers

    • Onboard new freelance writers, distributing and collecting freelancer agreements

    • Communicate the invoicing process, answer questions about payment status, and more

    • Approve freelancer invoices to ensure prompt payment and ensure all freelancers submit invoices in a timely manner

  • Budget

    • Manage editorial budget, tracking and updating daily. Prevent sections from going over budget (flagging ahead of time to correct)

  • Interns

    • Post internship opportunities, collect and review applications

    • Ensure each editor has 1-2 interns per semester

    • Set intern start/end dates and weekly schedule

    • Ensure interns are set up with building access (if needed) and all necessary systems (Wordpress, Slack, etc.) and that access is revoked at the end of their internship

  • Project-manage 4-6 power lists per year

    • Create project plans, flag upcoming deadlines and keep all stakeholders on schedule

    • Collect and organize honoree contact information and images, and image credit  

    • Review visual assets for accuracy

    • Help promote lists once they go live

    • Ensure edits/corrections are made in a timely manner and communicated accordingly

    • Assist in executing in-person and virtual Power List events: manage/coordinate guest lists, programming, sponsorships, and marketing materials

  • Contributor network

    • Assist in the outreach and recruitment of contributors

    • Organize contributor contact information

    • Work with contributors and their publicists on story ideas

    • Prep contributor articles in the CMS

    • Share contributor articles with the social team for promotion

This position pays between $45,000 and $60,000 annually. It is based in New York City but with the potential to work remotely. It is limited to U.S.-based applicants.

To apply, please send your resume to jobs@observer.com along with three to five writing samples or a link to a personal website/portfolio. Please include "Editorial Assistant" in the subject line.

About Observer

Observer is an essential source of news, data and insight about the powerful forces that shape the world. Observer inspires and challenges an urban audience of global thinkers, business leaders and influential, highly engaged consumers.

Observer Media is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Observer Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.