Essays Editor

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture, and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include US politics, technology, the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, health, sports, culture, and more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy, and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that makes us who we are. Across our business, we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond, award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial teams, digital talent, and more.

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 “The 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’ve 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. 
 

Responsibilities 

• 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 ideas meetings and occasionally oversee non-essay features

Required Qualifications

• 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, organizing and project management skills
• Expert news judgment and knack for story ideation
• The ability to work under pressure and prioritize
• Collaborative and calm under stress

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should submit a resume and a cover letter that includes three featured essay ideas with a realistic suggestion for an appropriate writer attached.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays 
• Unlimited sick time
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized 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 
   

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day. 

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including access to Employee Assistance Programs. 

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, 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.