Homepage Editor

The MSN homepage team is looking for a seasoned and experienced Web content editor. This is a contract position for up to one year based in NYC. Benefits included.

The qualified candidate will have at least three years experience working online for a major portal or news site. Former news &/or entertainment experience a plus. We will be testing headline-writing skills before hiring.

This position requires you have your finger on the pulse of what people are interested in. You are a natural at picking stories that will get clicks and your gift is spinning a succinct headline that reels readers in, and delivers them to a page that meets their expectations.

Strong writing skills a must. You are able to take a 2,000-word story and sum it up into a couple headlines. When clever is called for, you can be clever. But you are also adept at straight-up hard news headlines.

We are looking for a generalist, not a specialist. Knowledge of sports is a plus, but it can't be your only interest. You should be naturally fascinated with entertainment, sports, health, personal finance and pop culture. You should follow the daily news. You know how many times Britney Spears has been married and you know the difference between Sunni and Shiite. You’ve read the articles in women’s and men’s magazines.

This is a fast-paced environment. You have solid news judgment, are able to make decisions and write quickly under pressure. You have experience with tight publishing deadlines.

You are a team player. The position requires you establish relationships with producers, editors and channel managers across the MSN network. You’ll be expected to sift through pitched articles to find the gems we should feature on the MSN homepage. You’ll also collaborate with copy editors and photo staff to create content.

Position to start early March.

Please include resume as an attachment to email cover letter.

Ms. Elizabeth Derrick
julyned@microsoft.com