Editorial director Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Editorial director

📝

Add to dictionary

editorial director

[ˌɛdɪˈtɔːriəl dɪˈrɛktər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job title

An editorial director is a senior position in a publishing company or media organization responsible for overseeing the content strategy, editorial direction, and quality of publications. They work closely with writers, editors, and other staff to ensure that the content meets the company's standards and objectives. Editorial directors often have a strong background in journalism, writing, or editing.

Synonyms

chief editor, editor-in-chief, head of content.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
editorial director	Used in a corporate or organizational setting to describe a senior role responsible for overseeing all editorial activities, including content strategy, publication schedules, and team management. The editorial director emphasized the importance of consistency in our publishing schedule. As the editorial director, she played a key role in revamping the magazine's design.
editor-in-chief	Commonly used in the context of editorial teams, particularly in established media outlets, to denote the top editor with final decision-making authority over editorial content. Can be interchangeable with 'chief editor'. The editor-in-chief has the last word on which stories make it to the front page. She was promoted to editor-in-chief after years of dedicated work as an assistant editor.
chief editor	Often used in a formal or professional context within traditional media outlets such as newspapers or magazines, denoting the highest-ranking editor responsible for the overall editorial content. The chief editor is responsible for approving all articles before they go to print. Meetings with the chief editor are crucial for outlining the magazine's direction for the month.
head of content	Used primarily in digital media or marketing contexts to describe a role focused on managing and strategizing content across multiple platforms, including online publications, social media, and branding efforts. The head of content ensures that all our social media posts align with our branding guidelines. As head of content, he was responsible for expanding our digital footprint through innovative content strategies.

Examples of usage

The editorial director approved the final draft of the magazine before it went to print.
As the editorial director, she was in charge of setting the editorial tone and vision for the publication.
The editorial director met with the team to discuss upcoming projects and assignments.
The editorial director's role is crucial in maintaining the quality and integrity of the publication.
Under the direction of the editorial director, the magazine saw an increase in readership.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Editorial Workflow

An editorial director usually oversees a team of writers and editors, ensuring all content aligns with the publication’s vision.
They are responsible for the editorial calendar, planning what topics will be covered throughout the year.
This role often involves working closely with marketing and design teams to create visually appealing content.

Media Influence

Editorial directors play a vital role in shaping public opinion by selecting which news stories are covered.
They can influence trends by emphasizing certain topics or perspectives within their publications.
Many well-known publications have had editorial directors who have turned them into industry icons, impacting journalism standards.

Historical Context

The role of the editorial director became increasingly important with the rise of magazines in the 19th century.
As digital media grew in the 21st century, the responsibilities of editorial directors expanded to include online content strategy.
Notable figures like Harold Ross, founder of 'The New Yorker', shaped what we consider modern editorial leadership.

Skills Required

Strong communication skills are crucial, as an editorial director must convey ideas clearly to their team.
Creativity and a deep understanding of audience preferences help in crafting captivating narratives.
They often need to be skilled in analytics as well, to assess what types of content engage readers the most.

Origin of 'editorial director'

Main points about word origin

The word 'editorial' comes from the Latin word 'editor', meaning 'one who puts forth' or 'to produce'.
The term 'director' originates from the Latin word 'dirigere', which means 'to guide' or 'to lead'.

The term 'editorial director' originated in the publishing industry, where it was used to describe the senior executive responsible for overseeing the editorial content of newspapers, magazines, or books. The role evolved over time to encompass a broader range of media organizations, including digital platforms and online publications. Editorial directors play a key role in shaping the editorial voice and direction of a publication, ensuring that it remains relevant and engaging to its audience.