John Mac Donald
About John Mac Donald
John Mac Donald is a Senior Staff Editor at The New York Times, specializing in editing and writing about culture, politics, and international affairs. He has a diverse background in journalism, having worked for various publications and contributed to notable essays.
Work at The New York Times
John Mac Donald has been serving as Senior Staff Editor for the Flexible Editing Desk at The New York Times since 2021. His role involves overseeing the editing and writing of content that encompasses culture, politics, international affairs, and opinion pieces. Prior to his current position, he held various roles within the organization, including Assistant Managing Editor for the Licensing Group from 2018 to 2021, and Associate/Senior Editor for the Syndicate from 2010 to 2018. His extensive experience at The New York Times highlights his expertise in editorial processes and content management.
Education and Expertise
John Mac Donald earned a Master's degree in Journalism from New York University, where he focused on the Cultural Reporting and Criticism Program from 2006 to 2008. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Oberlin College, which he attended from 1999 to 2003. His educational background has equipped him with strong writing and analytical skills, essential for his roles in editing and content creation across various media platforms.
Background
Before joining The New York Times, John Mac Donald gained experience in various editorial roles. He worked as a Regular Contributor and Lead Fact-Checker at New York Observer from 2008 to 2009. He also contributed as a writer for Pitchfork from 2015 to 2017 and for Spin.com from 2009 to 2011. His early career included an editorial internship at The New Yorker in 2007 and a position as an Editorial Assistant at The New York Times from 2009 to 2010.
Achievements
Throughout his career, John Mac Donald has edited essays by prominent figures, including Elena Ferrante, Russell Brand, Ban Ki-moon, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Tim Berners-Lee, and Mieko Kawakami. His work has contributed to the dissemination of diverse perspectives in cultural and political discourse, showcasing his ability to manage high-profile editorial projects.