What does a senior editor do?

1 Types of content

A senior editor can work with different types of content, such as articles, books, reports, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. They need to be familiar with the purpose, audience, and format of each content type, and ensure that they meet the quality and style standards of the organization. They also need to be aware of the latest trends and best practices in the content industry, and adapt to changing needs and preferences.

2 Editorial tasks

A senior editor is responsible for planning, assigning, reviewing, editing, and approving content. They work closely with writers, editors, designers, and other content creators to develop and execute editorial strategies and guidelines. They also provide feedback, guidance, and mentoring to their team, and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise. A senior editor also monitors the performance and impact of the content, and uses data and analytics to measure and improve the results.

3 Management skills

A senior editor is not only an expert in content creation, but also a manager who leads and coordinates a team of editorial staff. They need to have strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to delegate, prioritize, and multitask. They also need to have a vision and a direction for the content, and align it with the goals and values of the organization. A senior editor also needs to manage the budget, resources, and deadlines of the editorial projects, and ensure that they are delivered on time and within scope.

4 Technical skills

A senior editor also needs to have some technical skills that enable them to work with various tools and platforms. They need to be proficient in using word processing, editing, and publishing software, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Adobe Acrobat, WordPress, and more. They also need to have some knowledge of HTML, CSS, SEO, and other web standards and techniques. They also need to be comfortable with using social media, email marketing, and other digital channels to distribute and promote the content.

5 Career opportunities

A senior editor can find career opportunities in various sectors and industries, such as media, publishing, education, government, non-profit, and more. They can work for newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs, podcasts, radio stations, TV networks, book publishers, and more. They can also work as freelancers or consultants, and offer their services to different clients and projects. A senior editor can advance their career by becoming an executive editor, a managing editor, a director of content, or a chief editor.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?