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Lead Assistant Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Assistant Editor, Metro

New York, NY · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

The Metro desk is seeking a creative, knowledgeable and collaborative editor to lead a team of reporters covering some of the most crucial issues in New York City, including climate, education ...

Parallax

Editing Assistant

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$4K/mo

Delivered structured cleanly enough that the lead editor can refine without rebuilding. * Light cuts and recuts. Simple short-form deliverables (vertical reformats, captioned recuts, platform ...

Parallax

Editing Assistant

Denver, CO · Remote

$4K/mo

Delivered structured cleanly enough that the lead editor can refine without rebuilding. * Light cuts and recuts. Simple short-form deliverables (vertical reformats, captioned recuts, platform ...

Parallax

Editing Assistant

Denver, CO · Remote

$4K/mo

Delivered structured cleanly enough that the lead editor can refine without rebuilding. * Light cuts and recuts. Simple short-form deliverables (vertical reformats, captioned recuts, platform ...

The New York Times

Assistant Fashion Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

The Styles desk is seeking an experienced fashion news editor to help lead coverage of breaking news and enterprise reporting. This editor will be responsible for identifying, assigning and editing ...

The New York Times

Assistant Fashion Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

The Styles desk is seeking an experienced fashion news editor to help lead coverage of breaking news and enterprise reporting. This editor will be responsible for identifying, assigning and editing ...

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Lead Assistant Editor information

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$23.5K

$51.2K

$65K

How much do lead assistant editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead assistant editor in the United States is $51,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Assistant Editor do?

A Lead Assistant Editor is responsible for organizing and managing the media files, project timelines, and workflows throughout the post-production process. They assist the main editor by preparing footage, syncing audio, creating rough cuts, and ensuring all technical aspects are in place for smooth editing. Additionally, the Lead Assistant Editor often oversees a team of assistant editors, troubleshooting issues and maintaining efficient communication between departments. Their work ensures that the editing process stays on schedule and meets the creative vision of the project.

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

To thrive as a Lead Assistant Editor, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and in-depth knowledge of post-production workflows, usually backed by experience in film or television editing. Proficiency with editing software such as Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, and familiarity with file management systems are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you manage deadlines, collaborate with editors, and coordinate with various departments. These skills ensure efficient post-production processes, minimize errors, and support the delivery of high-quality content on schedule.

What is the difference between Lead Assistant Editor vs Assistant Editor?

AspectLead Assistant EditorAssistant Editor
ResponsibilitiesOversees editing teams, manages workflow, assists in final content approvalSupports editors, edits content, prepares materials for review
Required SkillsStrong editing, leadership, organizational skillsEditing, attention to detail, technical skills
ExperienceTypically 3-5 years editing experience, some leadership roles1-3 years editing experience
Work EnvironmentEditorial teams, publishing houses, media companiesEditorial departments, publishing firms, media outlets

The Lead Assistant Editor generally has more leadership responsibilities and oversees the editing process, while the Assistant Editor focuses on supporting editors and preparing content. Both roles require strong editing skills, but the Lead Assistant Editor often manages workflows and teams, making it a step up in responsibility.

How much do assistant editors earn?

Assistant editors typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants working in larger markets or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries.

What are some of the main challenges Lead Assistant Editors face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Lead Assistant Editors often juggle several projects at once, each with different timelines, creative teams, and technical requirements. One key challenge is maintaining meticulous organization to ensure assets are properly managed and that editorial workflows remain efficient. Effective communication is essential, as Lead Assistant Editors frequently coordinate between editors, directors, and post-production teams to resolve technical issues and meet tight deadlines. Prioritizing tasks and adapting quickly to shifting project needs are crucial skills for success in this fast-paced environment.
What cities are hiring for Lead Assistant Editor jobs? Cities with the most Lead Assistant Editor job openings:
What states have the most Lead Assistant Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Assistant Editor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Assistant Editor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,214 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Assistant Editor, Entertainment News

nantmedia

El Segundo, CA

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Los Angeles Times is looking for an experienced, energetic and creative journalist who can help lead our breaking entertainment and sports news coverage on the Fast Break Desk as an assistant editor and occasional writer.

This journalist will work with a team of reporters and the Entertainment and Sports Fast Break deputy editor to cover the day’s most important pop culture, celebrity and entertainment stories, as well as produce subscriber-exclusive enterprise stories. They will also jump in and help write obituaries and other breaking news items when necessary, and should be experienced with obtaining and reporting from court documents and coroner and police reports.

We are looking for a journalist who not only can publish breaking news quickly but also find fresh takes on the news, working with reporters to find unique angles and posts that set The Times apart from the competition. 

This editor will be a partner in our approach to breaking news, including strategy, story formats, standards and workflow. Coaching skills are a must, as is an ability to collaborate across departments. This is the perfect position for an editor who can confidently handle different aspects of the multifaceted job, deftly moving between reporting, editing and monitoring story ideas throughout the day, and staying in tune with stories that interest our readers.

In addition to working on breaking coverage, this editor may work closely with partners on the larger Entertainment team to help lend their expertise to subject matter and develop deeper storytelling, following up on the news of the day.

The role also requires a deep understanding of SEO and the ability to craft enticing headlines while packaging a story to optimize our audience experience.

Responsibilities:

  • Assign, edit and occasionally write breaking news and trending stories across a variety of entertainment, including notable deaths, pop culture and celebrity news
  • Identify unique angles and fresh takes that advance stories beyond the news of the day and what other outlets have already reported
  • Write engaging headlines and SEO components with a digital, diverse audience in mind
  • Respect and meet tight deadlines that will include brisk turnarounds on edits for multiple news posts each day
  • Collaborate with editorial staff, including reporters, editors, photo, social media and audience engagement teams, to produce stories on all platforms 
  • Use designated tools, such as an authorized CMS or messaging system, to clearly communicate editorial coverage plans in a clear and timely manner
  • Offer guidance to staff on conceptualizing, reporting and writing content to ensure quality, accuracy and fairness
  • Provide timely verbal feedback and coaching to staff

Requirements:

  • A minimum of 10 years of journalism experience; editing experience is mandatory
  • Excellent skills in line editing, combining strong news judgment, fluency in style and deep knowledge of taste and legal considerations and an understanding of the importance of speed, accuracy and precision in publishing
  • Experience locating and reporting from public records, such as civil and criminal court filings and coroner and police reports
  • An aptitude for navigating digital platforms and staying on top of current events
  • Proven ability to work well in a team setting and juggle multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment
  • Effective communication skills with peers, supervisors and the broader newsroom
  • An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes collaboration
  • Versatility and adaptability, working not just across production platforms but also across entertainment subject areas
  • An excellent team player and effective communicator who’s able to work comfortably with a variety of personalities and skill levels and across departments
  • A nuanced understanding of audience data and analytics and a track record of using data to make informed decisions on coverage

This role is listed as Assistant Editor in the Los Angeles Times Guild and will be based in El Segundo, Calif. Occasional night and weekend work is expected.  

Qualified candidates should upload a resume, cover letter and applicable clips to Deputy Editor Dawn Burkes at the Apply link.

Apply