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Special Projects Editor, Entertainment

Location: New York
Reports to: Executive Editor, Entertainment

Overview

USA TODAY is seeking a Special Projects Editor to create distinctive and culturally resonant entertainment journalism that cuts through the industry noise. This editor will conceive, launch, and lead tentpole coverage and signature franchises that deepen audience loyalty, grow subscriptions, and position USA TODAY as a destination for ambitious entertainment storytelling.

This is a role for an editor who thrives at the intersection of big ideas and sharp execution-someone who can spot white space, build franchises, and guide work across multiple content areas and departments. The ideal candidate is an ambidextrous editor: equally comfortable setting long-term strategy and rolling up their sleeves to shape stories, teams, and formats.

The Special Projects Editor will also collaborate across the newsroom, including supporting initiatives with USA TODAY Play and contributing to podcasts, books, and other emerging opportunities. This role will use AI thoughtfully and creatively for things like prototyping ideas or keep workflows efficient.

What You'll Do

Lead tentpole and franchise development

• Conceive, launch, and oversee major entertainment tentpoles and recurring franchises that are distinctive and audience-driven.
• Identify cultural moments, trends, and narrative opportunities that can evolve into long-running, high-impact projects.
• Ensure projects are editorially rigorous, visually compelling, and designed to travel across platforms.

Set strategy and editorial vision

• Develop clear editorial strategies for special projects, aligning journalism, audience goals, and business priorities.
• Translate big-picture ideas into executable plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Serve as a thought partner to senior leadership on innovation, growth, and long-term entertainment strategy.

Edit across content areas

• Act as an ambidextrous editor who can span multiple entertainment verticals (TV, film, music, celebrity, culture, creators, etc.).
• Assign, edit, and shape stories with a strong sense of voice, narrative, and audience relevance.
• Maintain high standards for reporting, storytelling, and ethics across all projects.

Collaborate across the newsroom

• Work closely with reporters, editors, visuals, video, audio, audience, and product partners to execute cohesive, multi-platform projects.
• Support and help develop projects tied to USA TODAY Play, as well as podcasts, USA TODAY books, and other newsroom initiatives.
• Coordinate with USA TODAY Network partners when appropriate to scale impact.

Innovate with AI and new tools

• Use AI creatively and responsibly to brainstorm, prototype, and evolve new editorial ideas and workflows.
• Experiment with formats, packaging, and storytelling approaches that enhance reach and engagement without compromising journalistic integrity.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience as an editor in entertainment, culture, or a related field, with a track record of leading ambitious editorial projects.
• Proven ability to develop original tentpole ideas, and shepherd complex projects from concept to execution.
• Comfort editing across multiple subject areas and storytelling formats.
• Strong editorial judgment, storytelling instincts, and cultural fluency.
• Collaborative leadership style with experience working across disciplines and teams.
• Curiosity and creativity around AI and emerging tools, paired with sound editorial ethics.
• Excellent communication, organization, and project-management skills.

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:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. 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.

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $59,400 and $122,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.