Essays Editor

Department:
Editorial

Reports to:

Senior Editor, News Features

Location:

New York, NY

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person:
Hybrid
Terms and conditions:
Part-time (three days a week), permanent. News Media Guild position
Prorated annual salary range: $62,000-$65,000

The Guardian US is looking for an experienced editor to manage its flagship weekly essay series. This is a role for a curious, big‑picture thinker who wants to elevate fresh ideas that explain our rapidly changing world.

The editor will commission and edit argument‑driven long reads published every Sunday in our “Featured Essay” series. The ideal candidate will have experience editing journalism that explores the intellectual currents behind the news cycle, and a nose for creative thinkers who can draw sharp ideas out of the swirl of culture and politics.

The role involves working with writers to hone their arguments and find smart and colorful ways to make their case – whether through reporting, narrative, or traditional opinion writing. The editor will ideally come with a list of topics to explore and writers to work with.

In recent months, we have published essays about how energy transitions topple empires, how Gaza's destruction has accelerated the end of the liberal world order, why members of Gen Z aren't having much sex, the role of womanhood in upholding fascism, and why Donald Trump fears Black culture.

But we also want an editor who can bring occasional levity to the series, who isn't just thinking about the destabilizing forces driving our current moment – but also about creative ways people are coming together, hopeful cures to what ails us, and ideas that inspire.

• Generate ideas for topics to be explored in the Guardian US's featured essay section
• Identify appropriate writers, shepherd essays from commission to publication
• Field and respond to essay pitches
• Co‑manage an editorial calendar and coordinate with production teams to illustrate and lay out essays
• Work closely with the senior editor, news and features, and the wider features team, along with other editors involved with the series, including our head of narrative and deputy editor, race and equity
• Monitor upcoming books that may be a good fit for the series for potential extracts
• Contribute to features team idea meetings and occasionally oversee non‑essay features

• Substantial experience editing ideas‑driven journalism – features, essays, and/or opinion – at newspapers, magazines or digital publications
• Knowledge of and contacts among top writers, thinkers and experts in geopolitics, science, government, culture, humanities and other fields of contemporary relevance
• Planning, organising and project management skills
• Expert news judgment and knack for story ideation
• The ability to work under pressure and prioritise
• Collaborative and calm under stress

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidised healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous parental leave with 100% pay
• Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Work/life balance:
  Flexible hybrid schedule

The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, colour, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.