Editor, Books Desk

The role

You will lead the Books desk by managing a team of editors, critics, reporters, and contributors. You will define the editorial strategy for the New York Times Book Review and expand coverage across digital, audio, video, and social platforms.

What you will do

• Define and execute the overarching editorial strategy for books coverage.
• Ensure coverage reflects a wide, diverse range of voices, genres, backgrounds, and ideological perspectives.
• Oversee the selection of books to be reviewed.
• Direct high-profile projects including the 10 Best Books of the Year and 100 Notable Books.
• Produce coverage of the publishing industry including economics, marketing, and industry debates.
• Collaborate with product, audio, video, and design teams to expand the Books desk footprint.
• Use audience insights to optimize headline writing, packaging, and publishing schedules.
• Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of editors, staff critics, and reporters.
• Support the value of journalistic independence and the mission to seek the truth.

Required qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in journalism or cultural criticism
• 5+ years in a significant leadership or managerial role within a major media organization
• Deep, comprehensive knowledge of the publishing industry, contemporary literature, publishing trends, and the cultural conversations surrounding books
• Proven experience leading digital transformations with an understanding of audience engagement and digital storytelling
• Demonstrated exceptional editing skills
• Experience successfully navigating complex, matrixed organizational structures

Nice to have

• A collaborative, diplomatic leadership style

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s)
• Company-matching 401(k) plan
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development programs

Before you apply

• Submit your resume and a one-page cover letter including 3–5 examples of projects or sections you have edited or directed
• Submit your own work and do not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process

About the company

The New York Times seeks the truth and helps people understand the world through independent journalism. Its business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it is worth paying for.