Weekend Editor, USA TODAY Entertainment

Weekend Editor, USA TODAY Entertainment

Schedule: Full‑time, five days per week, including Saturday and Sunday
Department: USA TODAY Entertainment
Reports to: Executive Editor, Entertainment
Location:This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii. New York or Los Angeles are the preferred locations.

Overview

USA TODAY Entertainment is seeking a Weekend Editor to lead our weekend news desk and shape coverage that serves fans nationwide. You'll own the weekend publishing plan, drive smart story selection, and oversee weekend writers/reporters-stepping in to report or write as needed. The ideal candidate is a self‑starter with experience in the entertainment news space, excellent editorial judgment, and a passion for fast, accurate, engaging journalism aligned to USA TODAY's facts‑forward, concise style.

What you'll do:

• Own weekend coverage end‑to‑end. Prioritize breaking news, quick turn explainers, and high‑interest features that reflect what readers are talking about now, in a voice and format consistent with USA TODAY Entertainment's audience‑first approach. Coordinate and help promote other scheduled entertainment stories. Coordinate handoffs to weekday editors, maintain calendars and workflows, and communicate clearly with stakeholders.
• Drive story selection and assignments. Evaluate pitches, green‑light ideas, and rapidly assign work based on news value, audience demand, and competitive landscape; provide clear guidance on angle, framing, sourcing, and deliverables.
• Edit and mentor talent. Line‑edit copy for accuracy, tone, and style; coach writers/reporters and contributors; uphold quality control standards across platforms (site, app, social, video).
• Jump in as a reporter/writer. File quick updates, write fast‑turn posts, and co‑report enterprise features as needed to meet weekend demand and maintain momentum.
• Lead breaking coverage and live moments. Coordinate live blogs, alerts, and event coverage (award shows, premieres, tours); partner with Photo/Video/Social and Audience teams to package stories for maximum reach and engagement.
• Integrate analytics and audience signals. Monitor real‑time trends and Daily Audience Insights to inform prioritization and promotion across on‑ and off‑platform channels.
• Enhance cross‑platform innovation. Partner with video, social, newsletters, and emerging formats; help pilot responsible automation/AI tools that extend our journalism to wider audiences.

• Experience: 5-7+ years in entertainment journalism, including assigning and line‑editing; proven success shaping and publishing high‑velocity weekend news.
• Editorial chops: Strong headline writing, fast decision‑making, rigorous sourcing habits, and familiarity with standards for sensitive coverage.
• Platform fluency: Comfort with CMS, analytics (real‑time dashboards), SEO, social packaging, and basic visual production; enthusiasm for testing audience‑driven formats and AI‑assisted workflows.
• Relationships: Experience working with networks and studios, reps, and talent teams; ability to secure and guide quick reporting.
• Availability: Willingness to work Saturdays and Sundays, with flexibility around evenings and major entertainment events.

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