Freelance Writer & Editor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title:

Travel Editor (National Geographic)

Req ID:

10156229

Job Description:

The Travel Editor conceives, assigns, edits and prepares for publishing editorial travel content for National Geographic, with a particular focus on service journalism that attracts broad global audiences to NationalGeographic.com. Working with a roster of freelance writers and creators, he/she/they will develop text- and video-based content and play a key role in managing our ongoing Destination Guides program, helping travelers make better and smarter decisions as they decide where to go and what to do. The travel editor will partner with photo editors on visualizing content, and will pitch in on recurring travel series and franchises as needed. This role is a great opportunity to develop and contribute highly visible and valuable content to a trusted travel brand, helping us to continually improve our approach to satisfying travelers as their needs and habits evolve.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive and pitch travel story ideas for NatGeo.com in collaboration with freelance writers / creators, with a particular focus on service journalism
• Commission, produce, edit, and prepare stories for publishing, working in collaboration with photo editors and digital producers
• Define and shape our creative approach to destination guide coverage, including component and formats, and media types, including video
• Track and plan ongoing refreshes of and additions to our destination guides, leveraging performance data to develop strategic approaches, ensuring continual editorial work to optimize utility to travelers and performance
• Conceptualize, propose, and execute ideas for additional stories that drive audience development and engagement
• Pitch in as needed on larger-scale initiatives like Best of the World and other ongoing series and franchises
• Proactively develop and propose ideas for new approaches to travel storytelling, particularly in video form and for third-party platforms like social media
• Continually develop and expand our roster of freelance contributors, particularly writers as well as creators in the travel space
• Collaborate with newsletter and social media editors on promotional and amplification efforts for travel content
• Partner with sales and marketing on developing editorial ideas in response to requests for proposals and active sales

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience conceiving, assigning, and editing editorial content for digital publishing in a media (editorial/journalistic) environment
• Experience with digital editing and production and its associated needs (e.g., SEO, tagging, headline writing)
• Experience developing ideas and content containing helpful, actionable information for travelers, based on on-the-ground reporting and expertise
• An eye for visual presentation and an understanding of what makes stories work visually for digital and social
• Strong knowledge of the travel industry and its facets and experience creating travel content
• A roster of creative collaborators, especially freelance writers, and an understanding of what makes quality reporting and writing
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and ability to present ideas fluently and with polish
• Understanding of the evolving media landscape, including shifting consumer behaviors and preferences, including travel media and the overall competitive set for editorial content in the travel space
• Collaborative spirit and the ability to work well across a matrixed environment
• Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure and within budget and deadline parameters

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing and creating video-based content a plus
• Knowledge of and experience collaborating with creators helpful but not required
• Experience working within a large corporate environment

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Concentration in journalism or media helpful but not required

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 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.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Editorial/Content Or News Editorial - Digital

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-22