Managing Editor Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Managing Editor Resume examples

It's 8:27 AM and Sarah's already fielding three urgent emails from writers with looming deadlines, reviewing yesterday's web traffic numbers (which dipped 4% below target), and quickly scanning industry newsletters for potential story angles. Her second coffee sits untouched as she pivots to a video call with the design team about tomorrow's feature layout. This juggling act between creative vision and operational execution is the hallmark of life as a Managing Editor—where no two days unfold quite the same way, yet each requires that rare blend of editorial judgment and leadership finesse.

The publishing landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with 73% of Managing Editors now reporting that multi-platform content strategy consumes more of their time than traditional editorial duties. Gone are the days when "editing copy" defined the role. Today's Managing Editors function as the connective tissue between creative teams, audience development specialists, and business objectives. They're increasingly expected to understand SEO mechanics, social distribution strategies, and analytics dashboards—all while maintaining the editorial standards that built journalism's foundation. As media organizations continue adapting to fragmented audience attention and evolving revenue models, the Managing Editor who can balance creative excellence with strategic thinking will remain the indispensable cornerstone of successful content operations.

Junior Managing Editor Resume Example

Mia Finchley

Boston, MA | (617) 555-2943 | mia.finchley@email.com | linkedin.com/in/miafinchley

Detail-oriented Managing Editor with 2 years of editorial experience. Skilled in overseeing content production and maintaining editorial standards while meeting tight deadlines. Quick to adapt to evolving content needs with a background in both digital and print journalism. Strong communicator who excels at coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive publications.

EXPERIENCE

Managing Editor – Urban Pulse Magazine, Boston, MA
January 2023 – Present

  • Oversee production of bi-monthly publication with readership of 47,000+, managing editorial calendar and coordinating team of 6 freelance writers
  • Reduced content production timeline by 31% through implementation of streamlined review processes and clearer style guidelines
  • Copy edit 15-20 articles per issue, ensuring adherence to house style and maintaining consistent tone across publication
  • Collaborate with art directors and photographers to align visual elements with editorial vision for each issue
  • Pitched and launched “Boston Underground” section featuring local artists, which increased reader engagement by 17%

Editorial Assistant – Urban Pulse Magazine, Boston, MA
June 2022 – December 2022

  • Supported Managing Editor with fact-checking, proofreading, and research for feature articles
  • Managed social media content calendar, increasing Instagram following by 2,800 followers in 6 months
  • Coordinated interview schedules and maintained communication with contributors
  • Assisted with layout revisions during production phase, learning InDesign basics on the job

Editorial Intern – The Daily Chronicle, Boston, MA
January 2022 – May 2022

  • Conducted research and compiled background information for local news stories
  • Transcribed interviews and organized digital asset library for editorial team
  • Drafted 2-3 short-form pieces weekly for the web edition, gaining practical experience in AP style
  • Shadowed editors during production meetings and deadline days to learn editorial workflow

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Graduated: December 2021

  • Minor in Digital Media Studies
  • Features Editor, The Northeastern Voice (student newspaper)
  • Relevant coursework: Editorial Management, Media Ethics, Digital Publishing Platforms, Copy Editing

CERTIFICATIONS

Content Strategy Certification – Content Marketing Institute
Completed March 2023

SKILLS

  • Editorial Calendar Management
  • Copy Editing & Proofreading
  • AP & Chicago Style
  • Content Management Systems (WordPress, Contentful)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop basics)
  • SEO Best Practices
  • Team Coordination
  • Google Analytics
  • Social Media Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Mid-level Managing Editor Resume Example

Eliza M. Ramirez

Chicago, IL • (312) 555-8976 • eliza.ramirez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/elizaramirez

Detail-oriented Managing Editor with 5+ years of experience overseeing editorial teams and content production across print and digital platforms. Known for implementing streamlined workflows that cut production time by 31% while maintaining exceptional quality standards. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams, developing style guides, and revitalizing underperforming content channels.

EXPERIENCE

Managing Editor, Urban Pulse Magazine, Chicago, IL

June 2021 – Present

  • Lead a team of 8 writers, 3 copy editors, and 5 freelancers to produce bimonthly print magazine and daily digital content
  • Implemented new content management system that reduced production bottlenecks by 27% and decreased time-to-publish from 14 days to 9 days
  • Revamped editorial calendar process, resulting in 41% fewer missed deadlines and better theme cohesion across platforms
  • Developed comprehensive style guide that resolved inconsistencies and reduced copy editing time by approximately 6 hours per issue
  • Manage $425,000 annual editorial budget, including freelance contracts and production costs

Senior Editor, Midtown Publishing Group, Chicago, IL

March 2019 – May 2021

  • Oversaw editorial direction for 3 quarterly lifestyle publications with combined readership of 178,000
  • Collaborated with art director to refresh visual identity, contributing to 23% increase in newsstand sales
  • Created and launched newsletter program that grew to 42,000 subscribers within 18 months
  • Mentored 4 junior editors, with 2 advancing to senior positions within the company

Associate Editor, The Chicago Observer (defunct), Chicago, IL

August 2017 – February 2019

  • Managed production of weekly arts & culture section (8-12 pages) including story assignment, editing, and layout review
  • Pitched and executed special issue on local theater scene that became the highest-selling edition of 2018
  • Wrote average of 3-4 feature articles monthly, including cover story that won Illinois Press Association award

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Minor in Business Administration • GPA: 3.8 • Graduated 2017

Certificate in Digital Content Strategy, Media Management Institute

Completed 2020

SKILLS

  • Editorial Management & Team Leadership
  • Content Strategy & Development
  • Publication Workflow Optimization
  • Copy Editing & Proofreading
  • Style Guide Creation & Implementation
  • Adobe InDesign & Photoshop
  • WordPress, Contentful, Ghost CMS
  • SEO Best Practices
  • Budget Management
  • AP & Chicago Style

ADDITIONAL

Board Member, Chicago Journalists Association (2020-Present)
Mentor, Young Chicago Writers Program (2019-Present)

Senior / Experienced Managing Editor Resume Example

Gabriel J. Morales

Portland, OR 97214 • (503) 555-8721 • gmorales@emailpro.net • linkedin.com/in/gabrieljmorales

Publishing leader with 12+ years of progressive editorial experience driving content strategy and team performance across digital and print platforms. Known for mentoring junior editors while maintaining exceptional content standards. Successfully led editorial teams through two major brand redesigns and a shift to digital-first publishing, resulting in 28% audience growth since 2019.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

NORTHWEST MEDIA GROUP, Portland, OR

Managing Editor (May 2018 – Present)

  • Direct editorial operations for a portfolio of 4 regional lifestyle publications with combined monthly readership of 1.7M
  • Lead and mentor team of 11 staff editors, writers, and 30+ freelance contributors; reduced turnover by 17% through improved feedback processes
  • Spearheaded transition to digital-first workflow that cut production time by 32% while maintaining editorial excellence
  • Launched quarterly special editions that generated $487K in additional revenue in 2022
  • Collaborated with design team to implement responsive design overhaul, boosting mobile engagement by 41%

PACIFIC COAST MAGAZINE, Seattle, WA

Senior Editor (March 2015 – April 2018)

  • Managed editorial calendar and content pipeline for award-winning regional monthly (circulation 225,000)
  • Edited 15-20 feature articles monthly, working closely with writers to develop compelling narratives
  • Created and implemented style guide now used across all company publications
  • Pitched and executed special issue that won Western Publishing Association award for editorial excellence
  • Trained and supervised 3 junior editors and 2 editorial assistants

URBAN LIFE PUBLICATIONS, Portland, OR

Associate Editor (January 2012 – February 2015)

  • Edited feature articles, departments, and columns for monthly city magazine
  • Managed editorial interns and freelance contributors
  • Coordinated with art department on photo shoots and layout planning
  • Built relationships with PR contacts resulting in 23% increase in exclusive story opportunities
  • Started as Editorial Assistant (2012-2013) before promotion to Associate Editor

EDUCATION

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Magazine Emphasis, 2011
Minor: Business Administration

New York University
Certificate in Digital Publishing, 2017

SKILLS

  • Editorial Leadership & Team Management
  • Content Strategy & Editorial Calendar Planning
  • AP & Chicago Manual of Style
  • WordPress & CMS Management
  • SEO & Digital Content Optimization
  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop)
  • Deadline-Driven Project Management
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Data Analysis & Performance Metrics
  • Budget Management

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME)
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

How to Write a Managing Editor Resume

Introduction

Landing that Managing Editor role means standing out in a sea of qualified candidates. Your resume isn't just a document—it's your ticket to the interview. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of editorial resumes, I can tell you that hiring managers typically spend just 7-12 seconds scanning your credentials before deciding whether to dig deeper. Let's make those seconds count!

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable. Managing Editor roles require attention to detail, so your resume should reflect this quality.

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (2 pages is fine for those with 8+ years of experience)
  • Use a clean, professional font like Georgia, Calibri, or Garamond—editors often notice typography
  • Create distinct sections with clear headings
  • Include plenty of white space—cramming text is the editorial equivalent of missing a deadline
  • Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for another format (preserves formatting)
Editor's Tip: Your resume is literally a sample of your editing abilities. One typo can sink your chances faster than you can say "proofreading."

Profile/Summary Section

Start strong with a punchy summary that hooks the reader. This isn't the place for modesty!

  • Keep it under 4 sentences
  • Mention years of experience (e.g., "Managing Editor with 6+ years guiding print and digital publications")
  • Include 1-2 standout achievements (e.g., "Spearheaded editorial rebrand that grew readership by 43%")
  • Mention specialties or content areas (travel, tech, fashion, etc.)
  • Name-drop prestigious publications or brands if relevant

Professional Experience

This section carries the most weight. Focus on editorial leadership, not just writing skills:

  • Start each bullet with a strong action verb (developed, overhauled, managed—not "responsible for")
  • Quantify achievements where possible (increased web traffic by 27%, cut production time by 3 days)
  • Highlight team management experience (size of team, mentorship roles)
  • Showcase content strategy development, not just execution
  • Include experience with editorial calendars, style guides, and workflow systems
  • Mention budget management if applicable

For mid-career editors, emphasize how you improved processes or quality. For senior editors, focus on strategic vision and departmental leadership.

Education and Certifications

Most Managing Editor roles require at least a bachelor's degree, typically in journalism, communications, English, or related fields.

  • List degrees in reverse chronological order
  • Include relevant coursework only if you're early in your career
  • Add certifications like Poynter courses, digital publishing certifications, or CMS training
  • Mention style guide expertise (AP, Chicago, house styles)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes see them. Beat the bots by including these terms (where truthful):

  • Content strategy
  • Editorial calendar
  • Style guide development
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Workflow optimization
  • Digital publishing platforms (WordPress, etc.)
  • SEO best practices
  • Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Parse.ly)

Industry-specific Terms

Show you speak the language of publishing by naturally incorporating terms like:

  • Above the fold
  • Readership metrics
  • Pagination
  • Copy flow
  • Kill fee
  • Engagement metrics
  • House style
  • Flatplan (for print)

Common Resume Mistakes

These errors can sink an otherwise promising Managing Editor application:

  • Focusing too much on writing instead of editorial leadership
  • Generic statements without specific examples ("excellent communicator")
  • Overemphasizing education for experienced candidates
  • Failing to showcase adaptability between print and digital
  • Not mentioning experience with freelancers or remote teams
  • Typos or inconsistent formatting (death sentence for editors!)

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for editing articles and managing writers."

After: "Directed team of 11 writers across 3 time zones, cutting production time by 22% while maintaining editorial standards that earned a 2022 industry award for excellence."

Your Managing Editor resume should tell the story of how you've shaped content, led teams, and delivered results. Remember—you're not just applying for a job, you're demonstrating that you can tell a compelling story... starting with your own career!

Soft skills for your Managing Editor resume

  • Cross-functional team leadership (managed editorial, design and production teams across 3 quarterly publications)
  • Conflict resolution when facing tight deadlines (defused tension between writers and fact-checkers during our controversial tech issue)
  • Deadline prioritization and workload balancing (juggling 25+ in-progress pieces at various stages)
  • Writer coaching and developmental feedback (turned 4 struggling freelancers into regular contributors)
  • Strategic communication with C-suite stakeholders (presented editorial vision that secured 17% budget increase)
  • Adaptability during rapid publishing transitions (pivoted from print-first to digital-first model in under 6 months)

Hard skills for your Managing Editor resume

  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
  • CMS platform management (WordPress, Drupal, Ghost)
  • SEO content optimization and keyword research
  • AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style proficiency
  • Editorial calendar management using Trello/Asana/Monday
  • Google Analytics and content performance tracking
  • Copy editing and proofreading for print/digital formats
  • Digital asset management systems (Bynder, Canto)
  • Basic HTML/CSS for content formatting