Editorial Program Manager

Editorial Program Manager

We are looking for a Freelance Editorial Program Manager to guide the strategy, creation, and delivery of high-impact editorial content that strengthens brand narrative, informs customers, and supports key business initiatives. This opportunity is well suited for a content professional who excels in editorial leadership, workflow management, and audience-focused storytelling.

In this role, you will manage content programs from early planning through final publication, helping ensure every asset is engaging, on-brand, and aligned with the needs of readers at varying levels of familiarity and experience. You will work closely with cross-functional partners, coordinate external contributors, and uphold strong editorial standards while navigating shifting timelines and campaign priorities.

The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic thinking, editorial expertise, and operational discipline. You should be comfortable managing editorial calendars, shaping story ideas, editing written materials, and applying search and performance insights to improve content effectiveness. A strong commitment to accuracy, clarity, inclusivity, and usefulness is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Own editorial planning and execution across assigned content initiatives and campaign support efforts.

• Shape, assign, edit, and deliver stories, guides, features, and related content formats.

• Coordinate schedules, approvals, and communication among internal teams and freelance contributors.

• Ensure content supports brand direction, audience expectations, and broader marketing goals.

• Use search behavior, audience insights, and performance data to refine editorial priorities and improve results.

• Collaborate with partners across creative, marketing, SEO, and channel teams to expand content impact.

• Maintain high standards for quality through careful editing, fact-checking, and consistency review.

• Support inclusive storytelling approaches that reflect a broad range of voices, perspectives, and experiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in editorial operations, content strategy, publishing, or program management.

• Excellent writing, editing, and narrative development abilities.

• Experience managing freelance contributors and partnering with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Working knowledge of SEO principles and content performance measurement.

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to handle multiple deadlines simultaneously.

• Comfort using CMS platforms and collaborative workflow or project management tools.

• Ability to work independently and respond effectively in a fast-changing environment.

• Commitment to audience-first, inclusive content development.

Preferred Background

• Experience with in outdoor, lifestyle, retail, or consumer-facing editorial environments.

• Familiarity with recreation-focused topics such as hiking, camping, backpacking, or related activities.

• Understanding of digital publishing processes, visual asset coordination, and editorial best practices.