Programming Editor

The Programming Editor will help lead content programming and programming strategy across desktop, mobile web, app and off-platform for all Underscored content. The programming editor will collaborate with the managing editor and editorial director to understand content priorities and curate and optimize that content to drive user engagement, retention and revenue.

The ideal candidate must have a strong understanding of and experience with commerce content and how a topic, image and headline can be packaged together to create a cohesive and engaging experience for the audience, both on CNN.com and off platform. This role requires someone who is process-oriented and willing to try new things while remaining decisive and nimble. Proficiency in audience data tools and the ability to apply audience trends and behavior to programming choices are essential. This position reports to the managing editor and plays a key role in growing the Underscored audience, increasing engagement, repeat visitors and ultimately conversions.

Your Role Accountabilities…

Program and manage the CNN Underscored homepage and unique landing pages

Write headlines and conduct A/B tests on headlines and photos for article promotion

Work closely with editors to grow Underscored’s audience, brand identity and reach across multiple platforms — both O&O and off-platform

Monitor content performance and adjust tactics as needed to deliver business goals, using data to create benchmarks and strategies for measuring success and experimentation to regularly to boost traffic and conversion rates

Oversee content programming on third-party platforms including Flipboard, Whatsapp, Apple News and others 

Communicate programming insights to key stakeholders, including performance on everything from PVs, CTRs, AOV and revenue and provide actionable, clear-cut recommendations to leadership

Contribute ideas to the editorial team that will lead to new approaches to content

Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams including business development, revenue insights, product, social media, newsletter and more

Conduct competitive analysis, especially around tentpoles, and deliver insights and recommendations to editorial leadership

Work with CNN section leads and personalization team to serve Underscored content across the CNN site, fostering integration within article and section pages

Assist with forward planning by analyzing past performance and identifying key areas of growth

Assist with training and onboarding team members as needed and work closely with associate programming editor

Qualifications & Experience…

Four-year college degree

7+ years of journalism or marketing experience

Strong ability to analyze data and share insights to inform editorial decision-making

Experience working with Adobe Analytics, Parsely, Chartbeat and other analytic tools

Flawless writing and text editing skills

Excellent communication skills and news judgment

Experience working in a CMS

Experience managing audiences off-platform is a plus but not essential

Ability to independently make editorial decisions while programming core platforms

Proven ability to multitask and manage large projects

Some weekend work required