Platforms Editor, Special Projects

Platforms Editor, Special Projects

Location: Remote from any state except Alaska, Hawaii or Wyoming

Reports to: Senior Manager, Special Projects

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.