Apply for the Editing Resident Program with the New York Times

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

Join The New York Times Editing Residency program. The Times is looking for journalists who want to build editing careers. This two-year residency offers a chance for participants to develop and hone their news editing skills, and to work on Times journalism.

We are looking for candidates who are curious, collaborative and committed to excellence.  Prior editing experience, while not necessary, is strongly recommended.

You should expect to work on breaking news desks. You will also edit other types of journalism, including enterprise stories and special projects. You’ll be expected to handle multiple articles and pivot on deadline. The most competitive candidates will have excellent news judgment, a sharp eye for detail, interest in learning about a broad array of topics, the ability to frame articles and write sparkling display copy, and have experience developing trusting relationships with reporters and fellow editors.

Visual Editing Residency: One resident in the class will focus on visual and nontraditional forms of journalism. This resident, who will serve on the National desk, will work both on traditional forms of journalism, such as text stories, and nontraditional forms of journalism, such as photo and graphics displays and video. No technical expertise is required, but candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in visual journalism. Ideal candidates will be text editors with at least a grasp of, if not a proficiency in, visual editing principles, such as direction and sequencing.

In your cover letter, discuss why you want to be an editor. Candidates interested in the visual position should state so and explain why high up in their cover letters.

These are hybrid positions that require regular attendance at our New York office each week per departmental guidance. You may be required to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities: 

  • Copy edit articles from desks across the newsroom
  • Edit breaking news and feature articles
  • Participate in training and speaker programs designed for the residency, and receive regular feedback
  • Uphold the editorial standards of The Times
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

Basic Qualifications:

  • At least two years of professional journalism experience. Journalists with more than seven years of editing experience will not be considered.
  • Solid news judgment, and an understanding of grammar and fact-checking
  • Visual Editing Residency: In addition to the qualifications above, you should have a strong interest in visual journalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional experience editing and assigning news articles
  • Visual Editing Residency: Ideal candidates will be strong text editors who also have at least a grasp of, if not a proficiency in, visual editing principles such as direction and sequencing.

You must be authorized to work in the United States. We will not sponsor work visas for the residency.

There is no guarantee of a full-time position upon the completion of the program. We will offer support to editors in their search for full-time opportunities.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Eastern time on May 19.

We cannot accept applications that are mailed or emailed to us. We will contact you for interviews as needed, and finalists must take an editing test. The residency will include two groups, one that is estimated to start in November and one in March.

For more information about The New York Times Editing Residency, visit here.

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of New York.

REQ-018143

The annual base pay range for this role is between:

$97,000 – $97,000 USD

The Office of Career Strategy posts job listings for the convenience of students. The University does not endorse or recommend employers and a posting does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. The University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about job listings or the accuracy of the information provided by the employer. The University is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or any other aspect of off-campus employment without limitation. It is the responsibility of students to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment and to thoroughly research the facts and reputation of each organization to which they are applying. Students should be prudent and use common sense and caution when applying for or accepting any position. All concerns and issues related to job and/or internship opportunities, including those posted within the Yale Career Link, should be addressed promptly via email to the Office of Career Strategy. 


By Stanley Willard Jr.
Stanley Willard Jr. Assistant Director of Employer Relations