Senior Editor

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

The Atlantic is seeking an experienced senior editor to join the newsroom. This editor will be assigned to the Culture desk. The ideal candidate will be creative, versatile, highly organized, knowledgeable about several areas of pop culture, and well-read in magazine journalism. The position is full-time.

You’ll be working with some of the sharpest editors, critics, and reporters in the magazine business to help lead the national conversation on all things culture. We work quickly but with an eye toward identifying and tackling big ideas. Our primary beats are film, television, and music, but we also publish smart, accessible stories on internet culture, comedy, video games, fashion, visual art, and more. (Books coverage is handled primarily by our Books desk.)

In this role, you’ll help develop and execute strategy for our culture coverage across a variety of subjects and story types. On any given day, you might work on a smart yet timely pop-culture review, a 2,000-word reported story about how fandoms are changing television, a quick-turn analysis of the latest hip-hop controversy, or a deeply considered critical essay, from either staff or freelance writers. You should be comfortable assigning and editing stories about how culture intersects with the most pressing questions of our day, across politics, technology, and business. You’ll manage several direct reports, including staff writers and potentially other editors. You’ll be involved in the entire story-editing process, from idea generation to publication and promotion. You’ll work alongside other editors on the desk to coordinate short- and long-term story planning. This role will also include opportunities for writing that contributes to the team’s coverage areas.

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:

Substantial experience as a culture editor, including deep familiarity with navigating the industry, release calendars, and access-driven coverage

Expertise in covering multiple areas of culture, both high and low, including film, television, music, celebrity news, internet culture, fandom, media criticism, the performing arts, and more

A demonstrated facility for identifying compelling ideas and communicating them to a general-interest audience

Deep familiarity with The Atlantic and its culture coverage

Strong experience as an editorial manager who can deliver constructive feedback and oversee long-term development of both writers and editors of different experience levels

Impeccable news judgment and an eye for argument and stylish execution

A track record of working with, and generating ideas with, high-level writers

Sophisticated, crisp writing skills

Openness to a wide variety of views and perspectives

An ability to work quickly, switch gears as needed, and meet deadlines

Close attention to detail and high standards for accuracy

A generous, collaborative spirit, and an ability to communicate effectively both up and down, and across different departments

This job is based at The Atlantic’s offices in either New York City or Washington, D.C., or potentially remotely from Los Angeles.

Salary Minimum: $100K, Salary Maximum: $160K

The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC and its affiliates ("The Atlantic") are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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