Jess Bryant
Senior Editor at The Athletic (NYT)
about.
At The Athletic (The New York Times), I work as a senior editor and columnist, focusing on fantasy sports editorial strategy and content development. My role is a hybrid of leadership and deep, hands-on craft: I co-manage a talented roster of writers and analysts while remaining deeply entrenched in the work itself. From developmental shaping to final copyediting, I touch nearly every piece of content we produce, ensuring it is both accurate and engaging.
While I’m dedicated to data-driven decisions and SEO for audience growth, the reader’s experience remains my top priority. As a columnist, I understand the creative process; as an editor, I work to position The Athletic as the premier destination for fantasy sports enthusiasts.
sample.
a selection of stories
Ten years ago, the Bradstrong fantasy football league lost one of its founding members to cancer. This is how they honor his memory.
Is Christian McCaffrey the worst career No. 1 pick in fantasy football ever? I go back 25 years to find out. Let's just say, he's in good company.
Wimbledon 2025 women's semifinals features No. 1 Sabalenka vs. No. 13 Anisimova and No. 8 Swiatek vs. Bencic.
The Giants' skill-position players' fantasy prospects following news of John Harbaugh and Todd Monken hires.
experience.
Senior Editor | The New York TImes (The Athletic) | Nov. 2024 – present
Collaborates on editorial strategy and content development for fantasy sports and betting, managing a team of writers and analysts to produce engaging articles, rankings, projections, and betting insights. Drives audience growth by optimizing SEO, curating content calendars, and ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness across all platforms. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to enhance user engagement and expand reach, using data-driven insights to inform content decisions.
Writer, Editor, and Researcher (contract) | Fantasy Life | Aug. 2024 – Nov. 2024
Oversaw all aspects of the publishing process, including acquisitions, content editing, copy editing, and managing production timelines. Successfully increased the number of titles published each year by streamlining operations and implementing comprehensive production schedules, a detailed process manual with visual workflow, design specifications, and an in-house style guide.
APH Press | Nov. 2021 – Nov. 2024
Authored the Fantasy Roundtable column, which offered expert fantasy football strategy and personal insights. Edited two articles weekly, ensuring high-quality content. Also conducted comprehensive research for the weekly Fantasy Life podcasts, supplying essential NFL fantasy strategy insights to support dynamic and informed discussions.
Editor II | NBME | June 2020 – Nov. 2021
Edited newly submitted examination items, focusing on grammar, punctuation, clarity, consistency of style, and content accuracy, and reviewed items for test flaws and adherence to NBME methodologies. Assembled, produced, and performed quality control of computer-based, web-based, and paper-and-pencil examinations.
Editor-in-Chief | Philadelphia Gay News | April 2019 – June 2020
Managed the direction of, content creation, and promotion of local weekly print newspaper and web content targeting the LGBTQIA+ community, while creating and maintaining community relationships to foster trust and sourcing. Scheduled and enforced deadlines for assigned stories and edited all content according to AP Stylebook and in-house style guide.
Managing Editor | Gettysburg Review | May 2016 – April 2019
Managed production, design, grants, budget, marketing, staff, student interns, and social media for the quarterly literary magazine at Gettysburg College. Edited all content according to The Chicago Manual of Style and developed web content including author videos, interviews, and blog posts.
Managing Editor | Willow Springs Books | August 2014 – May 2016
Managed student interns, staff, and production of fiction and poetry titles, including design, budget, distribution, marketing, ISBN registration, Bowker maintenance, advertising, and print schedules. Acquired poetry and fiction titles and selected the winner for the annual fiction prize.
get in touch.
Whether you want to chat about a story, ask a question or just say hi, I’m here.