Managing Editor, OKA

The Managing Editor contributes to OkayMedia’s mission by managing the editorial process and team by assigning, editing, and writing articles for OkayAfrica’s (OKA) online platforms while contributing to the site’s overall editorial vision and strategy. The Managing Editor is preferably based in Africa and has the following responsibilities and duties.

The Managing Editor has the following responsibilities and duties:

• Conducting planning sessions for upcoming feature articles with the Director Of Content, generating ideas with editorial staff, and responding quickly to current events.


• Commissioning articles from freelance writers; working with writers on the editing/rewriting process.


• Planning and maintaining an editorial calendar with the Director Of Content.


• Working with Social Media, Studios (video production), Art, and Audience Development teams to establish quality control and processes.


• Negotiating payments with freelance writers; maintaining the monthly freelance budget.


• Ensuring invoices are submitted on time and coordinating timely payments of freelancers and contractors. 


• Managing the look and feel of the homepage daily with the Director Of Content. 


• Planning original content shoots and coordinating detailed festival coverage with the Director Of Content.


• Coordinating with the graphic design team for creative assets for packages.


• Working with the Social Media team to optimize and refine social copy.


• Growing OkayAfrica’s network of freelance writers.


• Managing the publishing process with editorial staff and writers. Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.


• Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.


• Day-to-day management and maintenance of the publication and OkayAfrica’s editorial team.  


• Assist in developing editorial policies.

The Managing Editor should have the following skills, education and experience.

• An understanding of how to identify writers and subjects that can break through on the internet and help improve audience engagement, along with a seemingly peerless familiarity with both ongoing and oft-ignored conversations about identity, entertainment, books and culture. 


• Excellent at top and line-editing.


• Ability to manage and develop writers and editors.


• Knowledge of and interest in arts/culture, and music, and/or experience is a big asset.


• Must have 5+ years of writing or editing experience at a magazine or blog.


• Must have strong writing skills


• Must have strong communication and organizational skills.


• Expert knowledge with WordPress, Google Docs, and basic web publishing processes. 


• Must have sharp attention for detail and a strong knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.


• Must have a firm grasp of social media platforms and communities, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the following are working conditions will be encountered. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Hybrid / Remote


• Required to work a minimum 40 hours during weekdays,
  with some nights and weekends

Areya Media, Inc. offers the following total compensation package upon full-time hire.

• Salary: Between $3,000 - $3,500/month (depends on experience)

Areya Media, Inc. is committed to defining and amplifying the voices of creators, contemporaries, and the people they inspire.

Editorial captures, communicates, and contextualizes stories that elevate the Areya Media brand, builds global community, and highlights the human condition.