Media

Editorial Assistant job description

An Editorial Assistant supports content production, manages editorial calendars, and proofreads digital copy to drive audience engagement and brand growth.

Published February 18, 2026Updated May 17, 202613737 likes

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Job brief

We are looking for an organized and detail-obsessed Editorial Assistant to join our growing editorial team and help shape our daily digital storytelling. You will be instrumental in managing our publishing pipeline, ensuring every piece of content meets our high standards for accuracy and impact across our media platforms. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior editorial leadership while gaining hands-on experience in content strategy and digital production. If you have a sharp eye for detail and a passion for modern media, we would love to have you help us elevate our audience engagement.

Key highlights

Manage the editorial calendar by tracking deadlines, coordinating with contributors, and ensuring timely delivery of articles across all digital channels.
Perform meticulous copy editing and proofreading of content to ensure alignment with brand-specific style guides and AP style standards.
Utilize Content Management Systems such as WordPress, Ghost, or Contentful to format, tag, and publish high-quality digital articles and features.
Monitor audience engagement metrics via Google Analytics and social media insights to provide actionable reports on content performance.

What is a Editorial Assistant?

An Editorial Assistant is a specialized publishing professional who supports the end-to-end lifecycle of digital and print media projects. Editorial Assistants are responsible for maintaining content schedules, verifying factual accuracy, and managing administrative workflows within high-paced newsrooms or marketing departments. By coordinating with senior editors and writers, an Editorial Assistant ensures that all multimedia content aligns with brand voice, style guides, and platform-specific formatting requirements.

What does a Editorial Assistant do?

On a daily basis, an Editorial Assistant manages content calendars, proofreads drafts for clarity and AP style compliance, and uploads articles using Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal. They often coordinate assets between creative teams and stakeholders, track editorial KPIs to gauge reader engagement, and conduct deep-dive research to support long-form investigative storytelling. By managing the logistics of the publishing workflow, the Editorial Assistant allows the creative team to focus on high-impact production and audience-facing initiatives.

Key responsibilities

Manage the editorial calendar by tracking deadlines, coordinating with contributors, and ensuring timely delivery of articles across all digital channels.
Perform meticulous copy editing and proofreading of content to ensure alignment with brand-specific style guides and AP style standards.
Utilize Content Management Systems such as WordPress, Ghost, or Contentful to format, tag, and publish high-quality digital articles and features.
Monitor audience engagement metrics via Google Analytics and social media insights to provide actionable reports on content performance to senior editors.
Source and curate relevant multimedia assets, including stock photography and graphic elements, to enhance the visual appeal of editorial projects.
Assist in the administrative upkeep of the editorial department, including processing invoices, managing freelance contracts, and scheduling internal strategy meetings.
Conduct fact-checking and background research for investigative pieces to maintain journalistic integrity and minimize legal or copyright risks.
Collaborate with the social media team to develop cross-platform content snippets, newsletters, and promotional copy that drive traffic to the main site.

Requirements and skills

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field with a strong portfolio of written or edited work.
Proven proficiency in using Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, or HubSpot to manage complex publishing workflows.
Demonstrated mastery of AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style, or house-specific editorial standards for digital and print media.
Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly Photoshop or InDesign, for basic image resizing and layout adjustments.
Analytical skills to interpret data from platforms like Google Analytics or SEMrush to optimize content reach and engagement strategies.
Exceptional ability to manage shifting priorities and strict production deadlines in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing attention to detail.
Foundational understanding of SEO best practices, including keyword research and meta-tag optimization, to improve organic content visibility.
Professional certification in digital journalism or copy editing is highly valued but equivalent experience in a media production setting is acceptable.

FAQs

What does an Editorial Assistant do on a daily basis?

An Editorial Assistant manages the day-to-day operations of an editorial department, which involves proofreading copy, scheduling publication dates, and uploading content to a CMS. They frequently act as the bridge between freelancers, writers, and senior editors to ensure that production workflows remain on schedule. Additionally, they often conduct fact-checking and basic SEO optimization to ensure content is both accurate and discoverable.

What skills are required to become an Editorial Assistant?

Essential skills for an Editorial Assistant include a command of style guides like AP or Chicago, technical proficiency in CMS software, and the ability to manage multiple project timelines simultaneously. Beyond technical aptitude, candidates should possess a strong attention to detail for copy editing and a basic understanding of digital content metrics. Strong research skills and the ability to communicate edits clearly to creative contributors are also vital for long-term success.

Who does an Editorial Assistant work with most closely?

An Editorial Assistant works closely with the editorial leadership team, including Senior Editors and Editors-in-Chief, to execute the broader content strategy. They also maintain regular contact with freelance writers, photographers, and graphic designers to source and prepare content for publication. In many organizations, they also interface with marketing and SEO departments to ensure that editorial output meets company growth objectives.

Is an Editorial Assistant a good entry-level job for media careers?

Yes, the Editorial Assistant role is considered one of the best entry-level positions in the media and publishing industry. It provides a comprehensive view of the content lifecycle, from initial pitch to final publication and performance analysis. Many individuals use this role as a stepping stone to become Staff Writers, Associate Editors, or Content Managers as they gain experience in editorial strategy and team management.