Editor, The Interview

Title: Editor, The Interview

Location: New York, NY

Job Description:

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

Over the past two years, “The Interview” has made itself a trustworthy New York Times brand and a destination, where artists (Mick Jagger, Nicolas Cage, Charlize Theron), politicians (Zohran Mamdani, Chuck Schumer), athletes (Karl-Anthony Towns), influential figures in the media (Megyn Kelly, Andrew Schulz, Tucker Carlson), at the center of a story (Scott Pelley, Gisele Pelicot) and beyond sit down for thoughtful, wide-ranging, challenging, fun, news-making video conversations about their lives and ideas.

We are seeking an experienced editor to, in collaboration with the executive producer, guide the editorial selection, writing and structure of the show. You will need to be a total omnivore — as excited about and adept at figuring out the best approach for an interview with John Fetterman as Lena Dunham — and a positive, motivating leader on the team. You need to believe in the power of good conversation to reveal subjects and illuminate ideas and also understand how to structure those conversations to be as compelling as possible — which will at times be free-wheeling and loose and at other times tighter and more targeted. You must have a keen understanding of the moment — in the news, in the culture — and know how to translate that understanding for a show that works on a few different tracks at once, with some bookings coming together far in advance and others really responding to a news moment. You must be skilled in writing for video and have a proven track record of working with hosts, embracing their approach to interviews and figuring out how to bring out their best work. The right candidate is a curious, creative thinker, a rigorous journalist who is filled with ideas, excited to build and evolve the show, and thrives in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment. You will report to the Executive Producer.

This is an in-office position, based in New York City and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.

Responsibilities:

• Edit episodes, with attention to pacing, framing, clarity, tone, structure and visual continuity and storytelling

• Give final sign-off on episodes and social clips

• Collaborate with the executive producer and hosts on setting editorial agenda and guest selection

• Help guide the prep process with a team of talented producers to ensure episodes have clarity of thought, logical sequencing of ideas and are structured for maximum impact, while also leaving room for the best part: the surprises that come in actual conversation

• Know how to guide a host during an interview, when things don't go as planned and the carefully prepared script needs to be thrown out the window

• Set production schedules and drive production for a small team that is always making several episodes at once (often booking one interview, prepping two, recording two, editing one, and mixing one all in the same week)

• Communicate notes and feedback to hosts and producers clearly, directly, quickly and compassionately

• Work closely with producers to help them do their best work on deadline while they juggle their many responsibilities

• Anticipate challenges in episodes and proactively solve them

• On occasion, be able to respond to breaking news moments with a sense of urgency, while staying true to the longform, in-depth, conversational identity of the show.

• Exercise calm under pressure and motivate the team

• Be a true partner for the executive producer

• May have input into staffing decisions and will be required to assess performance and provide feedback to staff

• Welcome feedback, incorporating editorial notes quickly, working cooperatively and coming up with creative solutions when disagreements arise

• Employ editorial judgment that's reflective of Times mission of independent journalism

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 7 years experience in audio or video production, including several as an editor

• Highly skilled at every aspect of editing

• Experience working with and coaching hosts

• Experience overseeing soup-to-nuts audio or video production

• Experience navigating a newsroom environment and solid news judgment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to foster an inclusive, motivating and innovative environment.

• Collaborative spirit is a must.

• Believes in The New York Times' mission of independence and is dedicated to being a part of our innovation and growth.

• Able to uphold the editorial standards of The Times.

#LI-Hybrid

Additional Compensation and Benefits:

For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.

REQ-020724

The annual base pay range for this role is between:

$150,000 - $175,000 USD

Candidate Use of GenAI Tools:

We’re excited to learn more about you and your experience. To keep our hiring process as fair and authentic as possible, we ask that you submit your own work and not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process.

If you’re an engineering candidate, we’ll let you know what specific GenAI tools you are permitted to use for your technical assessment.

The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.