Tara Lustberg

About

I’m an editorial operations and managing editor leader with more than 18 years of experience building, scaling, and modernizing content systems across media, marketing, and client-facing organizations. I’ve led newsroom and creative operations for multi-title publishing portfolios, in-house studios, and cross-functional content teams, translating editorial vision into clear workflows, sustainable production models, and consistently high-quality output across digital, print, newsletters, and emerging formats. My work focuses on: • Designing and refining editorial and creative workflows in high-volume, deadline-driven environments • Leading editors, writers, designers, and freelancers with clarity, empathy, and accountability • Partnering closely with product, marketing, sales, and strategy teams to align content with business goals • Managing budgets, vendors, and resources to improve efficiency without sacrificing editorial standards • Using analytics, audience insights, and AI-enhanced tools to support smarter content planning and production I’m known for a calm, direct, people-first leadership style and for bringing order to complex content ecosystems. I thrive in roles where strong operations enable better storytelling—whether that storytelling supports journalism, brand trust, audience growth, or business outcomes.

Experience

• Contributing Managing Editor/Production Manager · Various Publications2015-04-01 –

  • Managed editorial production and creative workflows for major national brands at Hearst, Dotdash Meredith (People Inc), and other leading media organizations • Developed style guides, workflow documentation, and editorial frameworks to support consistency and scale. • Oversaw vendor management, resource planning, multi-platform schedules, and quality control. • Contributed to creating high-quality content by leveraging diverse writing, editing, and design skills to meet rigorous editorial standards consistently.

• Editorial Director, New York Family · Schneps Media2025-03-01 – 2025-11-01

  • Lead editorial strategy and newsroom operations across eight print magazines and digital platforms, shaping multi-platform storytelling rooted in community, culture, and family life. • Direct editorial calendars, coverage priorities, and resource allocation for high-volume content environments. • Guide editors, writers, and freelancers across reported features, service journalism, and opinion content. • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, product, and design to deliver cohesive editorial packages and special initiatives. • Manage budgets, vendors, and creative resources to ensure efficient, sustainable operations. • Implement newsroom processes that improve cross-platform publishing, editorial quality, and production efficiency.

• Senior Director, Creative Studio · eAccountable2023-02-01 – 2024-09-01

  • Directed an in-house creative and editorial studio, overseeing end-to-end production of digital content, newsletters, campaigns, and thought-leadership initiatives. • Built and scaled creative operations and workflow systems to support consistent, high-quality output across teams. • Partnered with strategy, marketing, and product leaders to translate complex subject matter into audience-driven storytelling. • Managed budgets, vendor relationships, and global freelance resources. • Piloted AI and automation tools to enhance editorial workflows, research, and content development. • Balanced creative storytelling with data and performance insights to improve engagement and efficiency.

• Managing Editor · Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine2022-03-01 – 2024-09-01

  • Oversaw editorial operations across digital platforms, leading content development, production workflows, and cross-functional communication. • Directed production schedules, budgets, and vendor management. • Supervised editors, designers, and contributors, fostering a collaborative and accountable creative culture. • Integrated branded and sponsored storytelling while maintaining editorial integrity. • Led operational transformation efforts to improve transparency, speed, and alignment.

• Deputy Managing Editor, Parents and Parents Latina · Dotdash Meredith2015-07-01 – 2022-03-01

  • Oversaw multi-brand editorial operations across major national publications, managing large-scale print production. • Directed daily editorial operations, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. • Built newsroom systems that improved workflow transparency and reduced bottlenecks. • Partnered with marketing, product, and branded content teams on integrated initiatives. • Created editorial documentation and operational dashboards to guide strategy. • Managed multimillion-dollar budgets, contracts, and vendors.

• Assistant Managing Editor / Editorial Production Manager, Woman's Day Magazine · Hearst Magazines2007-01-01 – 2014-11-01

  • Managed end-to-end editorial production workflows for 20+ annual print issues, overseeing schedules, page flow, and delivery across multiple titles. • Led weekly production and issue-planning meetings, developing editorial calendars, book maps, and production timelines to support high-volume publishing. • Coordinated cross-departmentally with editorial, design, advertising, and prepress teams to align content, layouts, and strategic ad placements. • Built and maintained templates, style guides, and digital archives, improving workflow clarity, consistency, and efficiency. • Oversaw color correction and photo-editing workflows, partnering closely with prepress teams to ensure quality control and on-time asset delivery. • Managed invoices, contracts, and production budgets, ensuring financial accuracy and operational accountability.

• Editorial Production Project Manager · Peoples Education2005-04-01 – 2006-11-01

Education

• Rutgers UniversityBachelor’s Degree, English, Women's Studies
• Rutgers University School of Communication and InformationBachelor's degree, Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

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