Managing Editor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Managing Editor, or Content Manager, creates content strategies and oversees their implementation processes. Their main duties include managing a team of writers, editors and graphic designers, monitoring the results of various content campaigns and editing content pieces to ensure they follow tone and style guides.

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Managing Editor Duties and Responsibilities

Managing Editors supervise a team of Editors. Depending on the team, a Managing Editor may be responsible for things like assigning projects and ensuring the editing team meets its deadlines. A Managing Editor may share some of these duties with a Project Manager. Other responsibilities for a Managing Editor include:

  • Hiring and training new Editors
  • Meeting with Project Managers, Creative Directors, Sales Leaders, Marketing Directors and other personnel to keep all team members updated on work progress
  • Helping create a project calendar
  • Supervising the content creation process from writing through editing and publishing
  • Managing a team of freelancers

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Managing Editor Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Managing Editor

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education for all students. NCTM is the public voice of math education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to teachers.

NCTM is seeking a Managing Editor to manage the acquisition and review of content for its new monthly journal, Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12 and oversee peer review of assigned publications. The Managing Editor is an important contributor to the strategic direction of NCTM’s publications program.

Responsibilities:

Manage all stages of peer review from submission to handoff to production for Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12.
  • Administers, organizes, and tracks the review process of manuscript submissions.
  • Monitors and reports on journal performance metrics.
  • Serves as primary liaison with peer-review system vendor(s).
  • Oversees training of editors and editorial board members on use of the peer review system.
  • Manages the investigation and remediation of ethical issues related to authors and editors.
  • Provides general oversight of peer-review of book manuscripts.
  • Monitors trends in peer review and ensures the incorporation of best practices in review processes and policies.

    Writes and manages acquisition of content for Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12 (MTLT).
  • Develops, in conjunction with editorial board, and implements general and targeted manuscript acquisition campaigns.
  • Supports editors and editorial board in article solicitation efforts.
  • Coordinates article assignment to issues with the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Serves as the liaison for accepted manuscripts to the production team according to schedule.
  • Serves as primary point of contact for editors, editorial board, and other assigned publications.
  • Coordinates and participates in journal-related board meetings (some occur outside of standard working hours)—in-person and by teleconference—developing agendas, and crafting and distributing meeting minutes.
  • Maintains editorial board documents in approved digital workspaces.
  • Reviews and processes payment requests for editorial board meeting expenses.
  • Implements approved editorial and peer-review policies.
  • Peripherally supports two other association journals regarding proof review and as the primary ScholarOne support contact.

    Online Content Management and Production
  • Oversees day-to-day functionality of publications website.
  • Monitors and reports publication website analytics.
  • Collaborates with team members to produce and manage online content, including multimedia content.

    Marketing
  • Works with marketing staff to produce Twitter chats and webinar/podcast content related to MTLT content and activities.

  • Provides monthly spreadsheet denoting weekly MTLT marketing pushes.
  • Works with Professional Development and Marketing teams to schedule and promote peripheral MTLT activities, such as meetings, announcements, and other journal-related content.

  • Assists with publications home page carousel, with the director of publishing, the publications coordinator, and web managers

    Additional Responsibilities
  • Provides input on editorial budget development.

    Supervisory
  • Supervises Editorial Coordinator.

    Skills AND Abilities
  • Demonstrated skills in effective and diplomatic author/editor management.
  • Effective and diplomatic author/editor management.
  • Experience with online publication platforms.
  • Experience with online content submission and review systems. Knowledge of ScholarOne system is preferred.
  • Knowledge of digital graphics standards, MathType, Adobe Acrobat, and other file formats or software applicable to online manuscript submission and peer review.
  • Strong time and project management and organizational skills, including prioritizing deadline- sensitive projects.
  • Knowledge of mathematics education and instruction helpful.
  • Familiarity with magazine production helpful

    Qualifications: Academic: Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or journalism

    Experience: 3–5 years editorial experience in peer-reviewed publishing (association experience preferred)

    3–5 years of supervisory experience

    NCTM is conveniently located in Reston, Virginia, near Metro’s Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station on the Silver Line. NCTM offers an outstanding benefits package, including 100% immediate vesting in a generous retirement plan; comprehensive health/dental insurance; tuition assistance; free parking; and much more. Due to the pandemic, all NCTM staff is currently primarily WFH with the option to work at our Reston HQs. This schedule will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

    To be considered for this opportunity, please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to careers@ [website], ATTN: ME-IND. Salary requirements must besubmitted to be considered. Please mention where you saw this ad. No phone calls please. NCTM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTM participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Reston, VA 20191: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    Example 2

    QBS is looking for writers and instructional reviewers to develop Math video scripts and interactivities at the K-12 level. Understanding of K-12 developmental levels is important, appropriate concept load, and K-12 teaching experience a plus. We’d like for one person in the instructional reviewer role to attend client meetings and represent the team as the K-12 Math expert/instructional reviewer. Will play an integral role in the development of the PreK-12 Math Program. The Writer will be responsible for collaborating with the team to revise curricular materials and related components.

    Responsibilities and Duties
  • Work directly on an international digital-first Math program for Grades K to 12.
  • Maintain a solid understanding of and expertise in current and future print and digital tools and solutions used in the school market
  • Coordinate and manage editorial resources (including assessment writers and copyeditors) and time forecasting.
  • Manage international clients with online meetings; keeping in mind, various time zones.
  • Write and update guidelines. Provide training to the assessment writing team. Maintain quality and schedule.
  • Understand client products, requirements, and specific needs for their market.
  • Oversee the editorial development of lessons from concept up to the product. Write and update guidelines, implement editorial direction, and maintain quality and schedule.
  • Coordinate and manage editorial resources (including freelance writers, copyeditors, proofreaders, and editorial quality checks) and time forecasting.
  • Ensure that client’s quality standards are met and there is continuous improvement.
  • Provide client communication and build relationships.
  • Maintain project goals, schedules, and communication with clients.
  • Work with other project stakeholders including project management, digital production, art and layout/design, photo research team, and account management/relationship manager.
  • Perform the role of a Subject Matter Expert –

    Required Experience and Qualifications:

    He/she should have the following experience:
  • Writing assessments for Grade K-12.
  • STEM background preferred (strong in Math & Science).
  • Should be comfortable working in assessments authoring platform.
  • K-12 experience is MUST (Middle School and High School).
  • Ph.D. in Math or Master's in Math

    Job Type: Full-time

    Education:
  • Doctorate (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Managing Editor - Mathematics (Publishing): 5 years (Preferred)
  • Subject Matter Expert - Mathematics: 5 years (Preferred)
  • Content Creation - Mathematics (Publishing): 5 years (Preferred)

    Work Location: Remote

    Speak with the [phone number]
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    What Does a Managing Editor Do?

    Managing Editors oversee an organization’s content team to ensure their pieces promote their brand in a positive and engaging way. They’ll use analytical tools to monitor different campaigns’ progress and will build strategies to improve their content according to these results. Managing Editors will also conduct research on their target audience to determine the best ways to reach and engage with them. 

    Managing Editors also work with the leadership team or their clients to determine the style guide, brand voice and tone they want to follow and will edit content pieces to ensure they meet these standards. They also provide final revisions on content pieces to ensure they meet certain publishing guidelines.

    Managing Editor Skills and Qualifications

    A successful Managing Editor has technical and leadership skills. For example, since Managing Editors work with Content Creators, they should have some experience writing and editing (or producing whatever type of content will be a priority for your company). Such experience will enable them to set realistic guidelines and project expectations, and it will help them understand the priorities for Content Creators. Other important skills and qualifications for Managing Editors include:

    • Leadership skills
    • Time management skills
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Multitasking skills
    • Project management skills
    • The ability to collaborate with large teams
    • The ability to coordinate with remote employees

    Managing Editor Salary Expectations

    The average Managing Editor salary is $51,483 per year. However, pay rates vary greatly depending on whether you’re hiring for a full- or part-time employee. Additionally, experience level is a significant factor in salary expectations.

    Managing Editor Education and Training Requirements

    Managing Editors have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as English or communications. Some businesses, though, may hire Editors with a background more closely related to what the company creates. For example, a company that produces scientific publications would want a Managing Editor with a degree in education—perhaps even a master’s or doctorate—in a related scientific field. Managing Editors do not need specific certifications, but some may obtain accreditations in areas like copy editing.

    Managing Editor Experience Requirements

    Many Managing Editors advance through editing or writing positions, but you may also come across entry-level candidates looking for their first job out of graduate school. Other applicants may come from areas like project management, leveraging their leadership and organization skills as qualifications for your role. At a minimum, successful Managing Editors have some experience not only in content creation but also in leadership and project management.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    Your ideal Managing Editor may have skills in one particular area over another, such as writing versus editing, or maybe you want a candidate who can help generate story ideas. Since this role can be diverse, you may not find everything you’re looking for with this single job description. If this is the case, check out our resources for similar roles to complete your job posting:

    Ready to Hire a Managing Editor? Build a Managing Editor Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Managing Editors

     

    Who reports to a Managing Editor?

    Members of an organization’s content team typically report directly to the Managing Editor, who delegates various tasks and responsibilities according to their preferences and skill set. This team usually consists of Copywriters, Content Coordinators and Graphic Designers. A Managing Editor typically has extensive experience working in these fields, allowing them to give valuable feedback and guidance on certain tasks and projects. 

     

    What settings do Managing Editors Typically Work in?

    Many Managing Editors work within a marketing department in a business setting. They’re typically in charge of promoting the organization and conducting marketing campaigns to build brand awareness. 

    Other Managing Editors may work in an agency setting, where they’re in charge of building marketing campaigns for various clients. There are also some Managing Editors who work for newspapers and magazine outlets, overseeing a staff of writers and editors. They’ll typically work to ensure their team writes entertaining stories that are distributed on time. 

     

    Do Managing Editors have different responsibilities in different industries?

    Most Managing Editors oversee a content team in typically any industry they choose to work in, but their responsibilities may vary. Most Managing Editors are expected to hold advanced experience and knowledge in the industry they operate in to help them more effectively promote their services and products to consumers or other businesses. 

    Managing Editors who work in the software industry must have strong technical knowledge to create content campaigns about the features of the applications and computer systems the company provides. Other Managing Editors may serve in the nonprofit industry, where they must know about various fundraising strategies to properly educate their audience and promote their organization. Some Managing Editors will work for government entities, creating marketing campaigns to inform community members of government regulations, announcements or events. 

     

    What makes a good Managing Editor?

    A good Managing Editor should have strong leadership abilities to effectively manage and lead a team of writers, editors and designers. They must also have extensive experience creating content to provide helpful edits and advice to their team members. Impressive attention to detail is also important for Managing Editors to have to catch any grammatical, spelling or style guide errors in various content pieces. 

    Managing Editors must also be great at communicating, since they’re regularly collaborating with clients and the leadership team in establishing their content strategy goals and presenting campaign results.

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