NICK JACKSON

Stories That Matter • Scalable Systems • Strategic Growth

I’ve led some of the most distinctive digital media brands of the past decade, including Atlas Obscura, Pacific Standard, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review, and helped launch new editorial ventures at The Atlantic, Slate, Built In, and Outside. Along the way, I’ve grown email newsletters to millions of subscribers, scaled agile editorial teams, built sustainable systems, and commissioned award-winning work that’s shaped the national conversation. I specialize in change management and turning ambitious editorial ideas into operational reality — and building the teams, structures, and strategies that make great storytelling (that supports a great business) possible.

Whether steering an existing newsroom, advising on strategy, or building a new editorial engine from scratch, I bring collaborative leadership, editorial rigor, and a commitment to stories that matter.

Select Highlights

  • Led Atlas Obscura as editor-in-chief, overseeing place-based storytelling, user-generated content (30,000+ submissions), editorial franchises, and new service journalism strategies.

  • Served as editor-in-chief of Pacific Standard, where I guided the publication to a National Magazine Award and oversaw coverage cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and members of Congress.

  • Launched The Atlantic’s technology, science, and health sections, transforming the brand’s digital presence and helping define its early expansion and growth strategy with a sharp editorial vision.

  • Edited the KSJ Science Editing Handbook, a definitive 300-page guide now used by journalists and educators around the world.

  • Assembled a coast-to-coast editorial package featuring one story from every U.S. state on solutions to complex social problems — a collaboration that united non-profit, tech, and civic partners.

  • Built and scaled newsletters with segmented automation and human curation, reaching millions and driving retention gains.

  • Created a contributor program at Built In that featured Fortune 500 leaders, startup founders, and AI researchers — helping expand reach, drive engagement, and build editorial authority.

  • Recruited and mentored high-performing, diverse editorial and SEO teams across both startups and legacy brands, scaling operations while preserving editorial excellence and culture.

  • Recognized with top industry honors from Syracuse University, the L.A. Press Club, the National Association of Science Writers, AAAS, the Society of Environmental Journalists, and many more.

  • Developed a digital transformation strategy as temporary publisher of the Stanford Social Innovation Review that broke audience records, secured over $1.4M in new revenue, and deepened global influence through six international editions.

  • Spearheaded innovative editorial partnerships and funding models that brought millions in philanthropic and sponsorship revenue to support independent, mission-driven journalism.

  • Directed global media efforts that sent reporters from Everest Base Camp to the Northwest Passage, producing award-winning work combining narrative excellence with public interest impact.

WORK WITH ME

I partner with media brands, mission-driven organizations, and content-focused companies that want to evolve — through smarter strategy, stronger systems, and stories that resonate with readers.

Whether you're launching something new, scaling what works, or fixing what’s broken, I can help navigate moments of growth and transformation. I'm available for fractional or consulting roles, and bring experience across edit, business, and operational strategy.

Areas of Focus

  • Editorial Strategy & Leadership: Define vision, sharpen focus, and build editorial systems that support high-quality output at scale.

  • Organizational Design & Team Development: Structure cross-functional teams; hire, onboard, and coach talent; and design workflows that foster trust, clarity, collaboration, and creativity.

  • Audience Growth & Newsletter Strategy: Scale newsletters and on-site content through SEO optimization, strategic editorial updates, segmentation, and performance-driven curation.

  • Contributor & UGC Programs: Build expert networks and UGC pipelines that expand reach, authority, and engagement.

  • Tech & Tool Integration: Guide skeptical and resistant editorial teams through the adoption of modern tools — from generative AI to Airtable, analytics dashboards, and automation systems.

  • Advising & Change Management: Support founders, editors, and leadership teams with audits, roadmaps, and hands-on execution informed by real-world newsroom experience.

If you’re building a modern editorial product — or rethinking how (and why) your organization tells stories — I’d love to hear from you.