Urban Outfitters Editorial Copy Director

Urban Outfitters•Philadelphia, PA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Urban Outfitters is looking for a Director of Editorial Copy to own and elevate the brand’s editorial voice and storytelling across everything we make. This role requires a rare mix of strategic and creative thinking, with expertise in copy across omnichannel retail, a strong connection to youth culture and fashion, and the ability to craft compelling stories for a fast-paced digital world. The ideal candidate is a leader capable of inspiring and mentoring copywriters, editorial thinkers, and content strategists, balancing creative craft with business objectives. You will partner with the Senior Director of Brand Voice to implement a new vision for UO’s voice and narrative, collaborating closely with marketing, merchandising, creative, digital, PR, and other teams. This position is based in Philadelphia and follows a hybrid work model, with 2-3 days per week in the Philadelphia office and the flexibility of remote work. A competitive relocation package is available for selected finalists outside the region.

Requirements

8+ years in editorial leadership, content strategy, or brand publishing.
Proven experience writing retail copy across store, digital, social, app, and out-of-home campaigns.
Track record of building editorial franchises or longform platforms that drive cultural relevance.
Strong experience shaping brand point of view and cultural positioning.
Skilled at managing teams and influencing executives.
Knowledge of CMS, workflow systems, and AI/automation in editorial production.
BA in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field (preferred, not required).

Responsibilities

Define, evolve, and champion the Urban Outfitters editorial voice, ensuring it remains fresh, modern, and aligned with youth culture.
Support the Senior Director of Brand Voice in shaping the brand's voice, tone, and editorial point of view.
Concept and write brand narrative copy for key initiatives, and review and edit team deliverables to ensure adherence to strategic and creative best practices.
Oversee the creation of dynamic, trend-driven content for campaigns, catalogs, digital marketing, site design, in-store signage, and social platforms.
Develop longform editorial concepts that support marketing priorities, balancing SEO/AEO, creative, and brand goals.
Partner with creative directors, art directors, merchandising, and brand strategy teams to ensure cohesive storytelling across all customer touchpoints.
Synthesize insights and data into consistent, high-impact storytelling opportunities.
Build presentations and present ideas effectively to executives and cross-functional teams.
Inspire, mentor, and manage copywriters and editorial talent, fostering their professional growth while achieving business goals.
Oversee workflows and review copy for tone and style consistency, establishing a clear coaching and review process.
Develop verbal identity style guides, toolkits, playbooks, and standards to enhance team impact.
Manage vendor and freelancer relationships, optimizing the resourcing model and assigning work.
Act as a subject matter expert in fashion, lifestyle, music, sport, and pop culture to identify strategic storytelling opportunities.
Monitor market and competitor trends to inform proactive, relevant storytelling.
Streamline copy processes and content libraries to improve team efficiency.
Champion the adoption of modern AI tools, project management software, and analytics to drive efficiency and performance.