Assistant Editor, SEO

Job Description:

The Boston Globe is seeking an Assistant Editor, SEO to lead the newsroom's search strategy and help grow audiences through search. This editor will combine strong news judgment with deep expertise in search, audience data, and emerging discovery platforms to identify opportunities, influence editorial decision-making, and maximize the reach and impact of Globe journalism.

Working with a high degree of independence, this person will use analytics, search trends, and SEO best practices to shape daily coverage, inform enterprise planning, and drive long-term audience growth. They will identify opportunities for major news events, daily coverage, and long-term beat structures to ensure Globe journalism reaches readers wherever they are searching for information.

The ideal candidate is an experienced digital journalist with exceptional news judgment and a strategic mindset. They understand that SEO is not simply about keywords—it's about understanding audience intent, anticipating reader needs, and using data to make smart editorial decisions without compromising journalistic standards. They are equally comfortable analyzing search performance, advising editors on coverage strategy, experimenting with new approaches, and teaching colleagues how to strengthen the reach of their journalism.

This editor will serve as the newsroom's authority on search, working closely with editorial leaders while partnering across Product, Technology, Audience, and Business teams to advance company-wide search initiatives. They will stay ahead of changes in search, including AI-powered search experiences, and help the newsroom adapt to an evolving digital landscape.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the newsroom's SEO strategy, using audience insights, search trends, and performance data to increase readership and engagement.
• Independently identify opportunities to improve search visibility and recommend editorial strategies before, during, and after major news events.
• Partner with editors and reporters across the newsroom to incorporate SEO and audience insights into daily reporting, enterprise coverage, and breaking news.
• Produce regular search intelligence reports that inform coverage planning, identify emerging topics, and uncover audience opportunities.
• Monitor search performance, audience analytics, and key engagement metrics, translating data into actionable recommendations for newsroom leaders.
• Track competitive search landscapes and emerging news trends to identify opportunities where Globe journalism can better meet audience demand.
• Exercise independent editorial judgment in evaluating search opportunities and determining how best to position Globe journalism for maximum reach and impact.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to site structure, metadata, taxonomy, and other technical elements that influence search performance, collaborating closely with Product and Technology teams.
• Serve as the newsroom's subject matter expert on SEO, educating editors and reporters through coaching, training, and the development of best practices.
• Stay current on developments in search, including AI-powered search, generative search experiences, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and emerging audience behaviors, translating those changes into practical newsroom strategies.
• Experiment with new audience development approaches, measure results, and recommend successful practices for broader adoption.
• Represent the newsroom on cross-functional initiatives involving search, audience growth, product development, analytics, and digital innovation.
• Foster a culture of audience-focused journalism, collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning.

Qualifications: 

• Five or more years of experience in digital journalism, audience development, SEO, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing SEO strategies that increase audience growth and engagement for a news organization.
• Strong understanding of editorial SEO, technical SEO fundamentals, search intent, keyword research, and content optimization.
• Experience using analytics and SEO platforms such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Chartbeat, Parse.ly, SEMrush, Ahrefs, News Dashboard, or similar tools.
• Exceptional news judgment and the instinct for identifying emerging news moments and recognizing the questions audiences will ask before they become obvious, while maintaining the highest editorial standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex audience data, draw meaningful insights, and independently develop recommendations that influence editorial strategy.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with experience influencing and coaching journalists at all levels of a newsroom.
• Understanding of AI-powered search, generative search experiences, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and the evolving search ecosystem.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom.
• Uses experimentation as a core part of decision making, testing new editorial approaches, measuring results, and rapidly incorporating successful strategies into newsroom workflows.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive newsroom and creating journalism that serves a broad and diverse audience.
• A willingness to adapt and be audience focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.

The BGMP office is located in downtown Boston, near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and is easily accessible by MBTA and commuter rail lines. This position is based in Boston, and candidates should be based in the area or willing to move.

The hourly rate for this role is $43.40 - $56.41.

This range reflects the band for this role. We are committed to fair and market-informed compensation. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates could be hired within the midpoint of the range. Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by their particular combination of skills, experience, and qualifications. 

This position is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Newspaper Guild.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

EEO Statement: At Boston Globe Media, our mission is to empower, connect, and convene our communities with independent, trusted journalism and storytelling. We know a critical part of achieving this is by having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. Boston Globe Media is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates and colleagues of all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills.