SELF produces science-backed, human-focused content our audience can trust. We’re not here to fearmonger, judge, or gloss over the facts—we inform, motivate, and entertain readers. We do that by focusing on four key brand values: inclusivity, accuracy, empathy, and autonomy.
We are seeking an experienced writer and editor with a strong background in science-based, yet personable health service journalism to join the SELF team. This person will be responsible for publishing roughly four articles per week. The Senior Health Editor must be comfortable handling multiple stories at once, at various stages of the pitch-to-publish process (assigning one story to a writer, fact-checking another; doing reporting for one, restructuring a draft of another).
The Senior Health Editor will write, assign, and edit timely health content that helps our readers live better—whether we’re explaining the symptoms of a celebrity’s diagnosis, breaking down a new birth control method, or offering perspective on why STI rates are rising (and how that may affect the reader). The ideal candidate has a strong scientific literacy and a deep understanding of what evidence and sourcing are necessary to write and edit accurate, conversational articles about trending health topics; whether we’re covering sunburns, substance use, anxiety, or periods, this person will handle every story with nuance and care.
This position will report to SELF’s Health Director with top-level direction from the Executive Editor.
Primary Responsibilities:
Write and/or commission, edit, and publish three to five health articles per week, focusing on timely quick hits, culturally relevant mid-length stories, and service-minded articles, totaling 12 to 15 pieces published per month.
Work with a diverse pool of freelance contributors, with a strong sense of how to find the right person to report and write a given story.
Rigorously fact-check and edit a draft before filing it to the top editor.
Update your editorial slate and lineup with realistic deadlines and publish dates.
Brainstorm, write, and edit copy for larger editorial initiatives and projects as needed.
Occasionally participate in brand extension opportunities when available, such as appearing in social content or attending SELF events.
Use analytics to hone your editorial strategy. If something isn’t working, you’ll try something new.