Platforms Editor, Special Projects

Platforms Editor, Special Projects

USA TODAY Co. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

Job Summary

The Platforms Editor, Special Projects, is a strategic and hands-on editorial role focused on driving audience growth and engagement across distributed platforms for USA TODAY’s emerging verticals (e.g., USA TODAY Pets, USA TODAY Grocery). This editor leads social media strategy, publishing and content creation, champions vertical video and personality-driven storytelling, and curates newsletters to reach new and existing audiences. The Platforms Editor partners closely with the Audience Manager and works with digital content creators to ensure their work is optimized for platform distribution, including supporting creators in producing and publishing video shorts.

This role requires a blend of creativity, data fluency, and platform expertise, with a preference for candidates who bring some supervisory experience and a collaborative mindset. This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii.

Responsibilities

Audience Growth & Platform Strategy

• Develop and execute strategies to grow audiences across social media, newsletters, and distributed platforms.
• Analyze audience data and platform trends to inform content decisions and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with the Audience Manager to align platform initiatives with broader audience goals.

Social Media Management & Content Creation

• Lead social media content planning, creation, and publishing for special projects.
• Drive growth and engagement through innovative use of social platforms, including emerging channels.
• Support digital content creators in adapting and optimizing their work for social and distributed platforms.

Vertical Video & Personality-Driven Storytelling

• In partnership with the video team, champion the creation and distribution of vertical video content, emphasizing personality and authenticity.
• Guide and assist creators in producing video shorts about the subjects they cover, ensuring content is platform-ready and audience-focused.

Newsletter Curation

• Curate and manage newsletters, ensuring timely, relevant, and engaging content that supports audience growth and retention.
• Collaborate with editorial and platform teams to source and package content for newsletters.

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with digital content creators, providing guidance and feedback to ensure content meets platform standards.
• Foster a collaborative environment, sharing best practices and supporting creators in their professional development.
• Work closely with the Senior Manager, Special Projects, and Audience Manager to execute cross-functional initiatives.
• Evaluate, pilot, and scale new tools or workflows—including the use Automation and AI—to expand content offerings and handle routine tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work.
• 3+ years of experience in social media management or platform strategy, preferably for a brand or publication.
• Demonstrated success in growing audiences and engagement across social and distributed platforms.
• Experience with social content creation, vertical video production, and personality-driven content.
• Able to produce short vertical videos via quick-editing platforms like Wochit for on-platform and social channels.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Data fluency with audience analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Parse.ly).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience.
• Experience with short-form video editing and multimedia content.
• Familiarity with workflow automation, AI tools, or emerging digital platforms.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

Key skills/competency

• Platforms Editor
• Special Projects
• Audience Growth
• Social Media Strategy
• Content Creation
• Vertical Video
• Newsletter Curation
• Data Analysis
• AI and Automation
• Supervisory Experience