Assigning Editor – Social & Viral News

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Spearhead story sourcing and pitching for the social and viral news desk across various brands.

• Conduct daily monitoring of TikTok, Reddit, and other social media platforms to uncover stories before competitors.

• Stay updated on significant global events, entertainment news, and emerging social discussions.

• Spot overlooked posts and conversations that have the potential to evolve into major stories.

• Craft clear pitches and provide context for writers.

• Delegate stories to both staff and freelance writers.

• Frame stories and headlines for syndication and platforms such as MSN, Facebook, and SmartNews.

• Analyze performance metrics and utilize data to enhance pitches.

• Develop and document discovery workflows to improve pitching efficiency within the editorial team.

• Ensure story accuracy, properly credit creators, and treat individuals in stories with fairness.

• Collaborate with the broader editorial team on stories that require additional focus, follow-ups, or investigative efforts.

⛳️ Requirements

• Background as an assigning, commissioning, news, trending, or social editor in a dynamic digital media setting, or significant experience as a self-pitching writer.

• A genuine passion for TikTok and social culture, with a keen instinct for what audiences are eager to read.

• Experience in syndication and/or social media is highly advantageous.

• Exceptional headline writing skills that are compelling yet not misleading.

• Proficient in working with traffic data and leveraging it to inform editorial choices.

• Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume pitching environment.

• Strong grasp of ethical journalism principles.

• Deep understanding of US culture and audiences.

• Submission of a resume and cover letter is mandatory.

• Three recent social posts or stories, including a headline and explanation for each, are required as part of the application.

🏝️ Benefits

• Commitment to equal opportunities, fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace.

• Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.

• LGBTQI+ candidates are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged to apply.