Deputy Editor - Music Job at Screen Rant in New York

Screen Rant's editorial team is looking for an aspiring Music Deputy Editor to oversee site leadership for our new Music vertical.

The ideal candidate will be prepared to take charge of a team and manage every aspect of it with the intention of growing 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 the SR website, and help us achieve our ambitious goal of becoming a pillar among entertainment websites.

Responsibilities

• Participate in both team and site leadership
  • Liaise with in-house Valnet resource team regarding team progress, challenges, needs
  • Attend daily editorial pitch meetings whenever possible to provide pitch feedback and maintain editorial vision
  • Lead weekly staff meetings to communicate progress on traffic goals, announce site-wide initiatives and updates, and offer team support
  • Lead weekly model meetings with Valnet supervisors to communicate staff bandwidth, and track progress on traffic goals and output initiatives
  • Create and implement a plan for sustained growth
  • Audit the site to determine what is being done well, and identify areas that need change or improvements
  • Propose and implement effective solutions for achieving the 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
  • Maintain and optimize a robust catalog of music articles
• Team management, development, and personnel growth support
  • Building and leading a team of new writers
  • Liaise with HR and participate in talent acquisition efforts
    • Source and identify potential editor candidates
    • Lead editor interviews
    • Approve writer application samples
  • Coordinate with the training team to maintain up-to-date training systems and assist with Lead Editor training and onboarding
• Oversee and manage writers and editors on the vertical
  • Ensure team is maintaining output targets and quality expectations; hold team accountable for missed opportunities
  • Manage the internal development of both writers and editors
  • Build an effective team of quality editors with technical skills and industry knowledge
  • Provide feedback and ensure editors and adhering to SR's publication standards, and are contributing/editing the necessary amounts
  • Make the SR team a positive, engaging space for music enthusiasts who want to contribute actively and grow with the team

Requirements

• Relevant, experience in senior editing roles (managing editor, deputy editor, editor-in-chief) of a digital publication specializing in music content
• Ability to write
• Passion and background in all things music
• 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 and experience in your cover letter. You will not be considered for the role if this information is not included. 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!