Role Overview

Reporting to the Senior Director of our Custom Content Studio, the Senior Manager will serve as a managing editor and assigning editor, leading the editorial development and production of content for The Dallas Morning News and its brand extensions.

This is a hands-on editorial role for an experienced editor who knows how to identify strong story ideas, assign and develop stories with writers, work with subject-matter experts, and edit stories from pitch through publication.

The majority of this role will focus on FWD>DFW, the social responsibility platform created in partnership with The Dallas Morning News, as well as other TDMN brand extensions including Abode and Timeless in Texas, special editorial and advertising sections, and sponsored content on dallasnews.com.

The Senior Manager will help shape the editorial direction of these programs, maintain editorial calendars, assign stories, manage deadlines, and ensure every piece meets a high editorial standard for accuracy, clarity, voice, and storytelling.

This is not primarily a campaign management, social media, or content strategy role. We are looking for an editor who enjoys the work of developing and assigning stories, working directly with writers, and shaping finished editorial content.

What You’ll Do

Lead Editorial Planning & Assignments

Serve as the primary assigning editor for FWD>DFW and provide editorial support across other Dallas Morning News brand extensions and custom content programs.
Develop and maintain editorial calendars, balancing planned features, timely opportunities, and ongoing content needs.
Generate, evaluate, and refine story ideas based on audience interests, client objectives, editorial priorities, and subject-matter expertise.
Assign stories to staff and freelance writers and provide clear direction, expectations, and deadlines.
Work with writers throughout the reporting and writing process to develop strong, substantive stories.

Edit & Shape Stories

Edit stories for substance, accuracy, clarity, structure, voice, grammar, and style.
Work closely with writers to strengthen reporting, organization, storytelling, and overall impact.
Ensure content is appropriate for the intended audience, brand, and platform.
Proofread and fact-check content before publication.
Manage stories from assignment through final approval and publication.

Build Sources & Subject-Matter Expertise

Cultivate relationships with subject-matter experts, community leaders, organizations, and other sources who can contribute expertise and perspective.
Identify new voices and potential contributors who can strengthen the editorial quality and diversity of our coverage.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop credible, compelling stories.

Support Print & Digital Production

Produce content across both print and digital platforms, with a significant focus on longer-form editorial storytelling.
Help shape stories for the appropriate format, audience, and publication channel.
Work within content management systems including Arc and WordPress.
Use analytics, SEO best practices, and audience insights to inform story development and improve content performance.

Collaborate Across the Studio

Partner with the Senior Director and broader Custom Content Studio on editorial priorities, timelines, and production.
Provide editorial support for additional content marketing programs and studio clients as needed.
Collaborate with designers, project managers, marketing partners, sales teams, and other stakeholders to keep projects moving while maintaining strong editorial standards.
Manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Bring

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced editor and newsroom-style storyteller who is equally comfortable assigning a story and rolling up their sleeves to edit it. The ideal candidate is:

An experienced assigning editor who knows how to identify a good story and give writers the direction they need to make it great.