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Chief Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Editor in Chief (Alexandria, VA)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

The Editor in Chief will lead editorial oversight activities across a broad portfolio of communications and outreach initiatives to ensure all communications products are accurate, consistent ...

HomeStyles Media Inc.

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SENIOR EDITOR

Rockville, MD · On-site

$75K - $75K/yr

The senior editor will work closely with and report to the editor in chief on Home & Design, and is also the editor of an annual Idea Book. The position is hybrid; the company office is in Rockville ...

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Hyperallergic

Associate Editor

Brooklyn, NY · On-site +1

$70K - $80K/yr

Strategizing the day's coverage in collaboration with the Senior Editor and Editor-in-Chief * Commissioning and editing daily news stories, including breaking news, original reporting, explainers ...

HomeStyles Media Inc.

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SENIOR EDITOR

Rockville, MD · On-site

$75K - $75K/yr

The senior editor will work closely with and report to the editor in chief on Home & Design, and is also the editor of an annual Idea Book. The position is hybrid; the company office is in Rockville ...

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Chief Editor information

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$47K

$109.9K

$172.5K

How much do chief editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief editor in the United States is $109,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Editor, you need advanced editorial judgment, excellent writing and editing skills, and significant experience in journalism or publishing, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing tools, and editorial style guides is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and decisiveness are standout soft skills for managing editorial teams and coordinating content strategy. These skills ensure high-quality, consistent publication standards and foster a productive, creative editorial environment.

What are some common challenges Chief Editors face when managing editorial teams and content workflows?

Chief Editors often navigate the challenge of balancing high editorial standards with tight publication deadlines. They must coordinate diverse teams of writers, editors, and designers to ensure content quality and consistency. Another common challenge is managing conflicting viewpoints within the team while upholding the publication's voice and integrity. Additionally, Chief Editors are responsible for adapting workflows in response to evolving digital platforms and audience preferences, often requiring strong change management and communication skills.

What does a Chief Editor do?

A Chief Editor, also known as Editor-in-Chief, oversees the editorial content and direction of a publication or media outlet. They are responsible for setting editorial policies, managing editorial staff, and making final decisions about which content gets published. Chief Editors ensure the quality, accuracy, and relevance of all published material, maintain editorial standards, and often represent the publication publicly. Their role also involves coordinating with other departments, such as marketing and design, to ensure cohesive production. Overall, they play a key leadership role in shaping the voice and reputation of their organization.

What is the difference between Chief Editor vs Content Manager?

AspectChief EditorContent Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees editorial content, sets editorial standards, manages editorial teamPlans, coordinates, and manages content production, focuses on content strategy and publishing
Required SkillsEditorial expertise, leadership, strong writing and editing skillsContent strategy, project management, SEO knowledge
Work EnvironmentEditorial offices, media outlets, publishing housesMarketing teams, digital media companies, online platforms
Common UsageUsed in publishing, journalism, media industriesUsed in digital marketing, online content creation, media management

The main difference between a Chief Editor and a Content Manager lies in their focus: the Chief Editor primarily oversees editorial standards and content quality, while the Content Manager handles content planning and strategy. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Chief Editor emphasizes editorial expertise, whereas the Content Manager emphasizes content strategy and management skills.

More about Chief Editor jobs
What states have the most Chief Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Editor jobs are:
Chief Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 72% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,863 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Editor in Chief, Basic Books Group

Editor in Chief, Basic Books Group

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. The group includes Basic Books, Seal Press, PublicAffairs, Bold Type Books, Basic Venture, and Basic Liberty. We are seeking an Editor in Chief to lead the Group's editorial department and to oversee its overall editorial strategy. The Editor in Chief will guide editors through the acquisition process; recruit, supervise, and develop editorial staff; and acquire 8-10 new books per year. The successful candidate will have a proven record of editorial leadership, a strong background in working with top experts, a passion for bringing a diverse range of serious ideas to a wide audience of readers and consumers, and an eagerness to advocate for the Basic Books Group with agents and authors. This position reports to the President and Publisher, Basic Books Group.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and oversee the overall editorial strategy for the Basic Books Group across its six imprints.
  • Guide editors through the acquisitions process and advocate for project acquisition.
  • Recruit and develop Basic Books Group editorial staff and supervise an editorial department of 12-14 people, including 5-7 direct reports.
  • Commission and/or acquire 8-10 books annually, with a focus on lead titles; successfully negotiate deals; and manage all aspects of their publication.
  • Manage day-to-day editorial operations; ensure timely transmittal of manuscripts; edit fact sheets and descriptive copy; and coordinate preparation for presentations to the sales department.
  • Participate in inventory and first print decisions and budgeting meetings.
  • Collaborate with department heads in publicity, marketing, art, and production to ensure organized publication plans for books and on larger projects.
  • Identify candidates for paperback conversions and backlist reissues.
  • Represent Basic Books Group at academic conferences and industry events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • 10+ years' editorial or equivalent experience, with a record of successfully and strategically publishing serious non-fiction titles.
  • Broad knowledge of, and genuine interest in, nonfiction subject areas and publishing categories.
  • Strong contacts among academics, journalists, writers, and literary agents.
  • Thirst for knowledge about consumers and the market for serious non-fiction.
  • Experience managing and mentoring staff effectively in a publishing setting.
  • Results-driven, goal-focused, and able to take ownership of and make timely decisions.
  • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and to work cross-functionally with other groups, companies, and organizations on shared long-term projects.
  • High level of professionalism and excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent conceptual and line-editing abilities.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and an appreciation for the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.
Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The compensation range for this position is $150,000-$190,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.
The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

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