About the Role
Newsweek is looking for a dynamic and authoritative News Editor to join our U.S. newsroom during critical peak coverage hours. This is not a passive management role; it is a position for a veteran editor who thrives in the heat of breaking news and possesses the tactical skill to refine raw reporting into sharp, analytical journalism. As a central figure on our national news desk, you will be responsible for upholding Newsweeks 90-year legacy of trust while pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling to reach our global audience of over 100 million monthly readers. You will report directly to the U.S. News Director, taking full ownership of the daily news report and ensuring every story meets our high standards for clarity, accuracy, and impact.
This is a full-time, remote-eligible position requiring a specific schedule of 3:00 pm to 12:00 am ET, five days a week, including one weekend shift. We are looking for an editor who is ready to touch the most important stories themselves, making high-stakes decisions in real-time to ensure Newsweek remains a leader in the competitive U.S. media landscape.
Key ResponsibilitiesAs the Senior News Editor, you will command the U.S. news desk during peak hours, acting as the final authority on story framing, prioritization, and placement. You are expected to distinguish decisively between stories that provide genuine public value and those that merely follow the news cycle, killing weak pitches quickly to make room for high-impact journalism. Your primary focus will be delivering elite editing and rewrite authority, identifying where Newsweek can add unique analytical value to national stories. You must be prepared to aggressively rewrite leads, nut graphs, headlines, and structures to ensure every piece is tightly argued and unmistakably worth a readers time.
- Operate as a desk reporter when necessary, making calls, confirming facts, and chasing documents to close reporting gaps.
- Intervene personally on high-stakes or sensitive stories where precision and legal judgment are critical.
- Provide blunt, constructive feedback to the reporting team to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Mentor junior editors and reporters, transforming them into sharper thinkers and more sophisticated journalists.
- Work closely with audience teams to ensure performance goals are met without compromising editorial integrity.
- Monitor competitive coverage continuously to ensure Newsweek is outperforming and out-thinking other major U.S. newsrooms.
The ideal candidate possesses between 7 and 10+ years of experience working within a high-level, fast-paced U.S. digital newsroom. You must have a demonstrated record of editing breaking news, exclusives, and enterprise reporting at significant speed. We require a leader who remains calm and decisive under the pressure of a rolling news cycle and who possesses a deep, sophisticated understanding of U.S. political, legal, and cultural dynamics.
- Exceptional news judgment with the ability to make consequential editorial decisions independently.
- First-rate rewriting skills, with the ability to turn raw transcripts or field notes into polished, analytical prose.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive and legally complex stories with total accuracy.
- A sophisticated understanding of SEO and how serious readers engage with digital news content.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage a remote or hybrid team effectively.
- Comfort working a non-traditional schedule, including late evenings and weekends.
Newsweek offers a competitive compensation package and a professional environment where editorial excellence is the top priority. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to influence the national conversation and work with some of the most talented journalists in the industry. We are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace for all employees.
- Salary range of $90,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience.
- Flexible remote work options across the United States or hybrid opportunities in NYC.
- The chance to work for a global media brand with a massive, diverse audience.
- A culture that values blunt honesty, high standards, and editorial ambition.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits typical of a global media organization.