An interesting side note to today’s executive shakeup at CNN: the network is looking for another executive.

“We will be naming an executive vice president and managing editor of CNN Worldwide to lead collaboration across all platforms and elevate CNN’s unique journalism and analysis,” wrote CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton (right) in his note announcing the changes.

During his conference call with reporters late this morning, Walton said the managing editor would be at the same EVP level that  CNN/U.S. president Ken Jautz, HLN head Scot Safon, and CNN International managing director Tony Maddox hold.

“The managing editor will come in and he or she will be a strong editorial mind who will help shape our coverage,” said Walton who indicated there are internal candidates for the job. TVNewser has learned Bart Feder, who joined the network as SVP of current programming in January 2008, is among them.

Unlike the broadcast network model which generally gives the managing editor title to anchors — think Brian Williams, Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric — Walton said,  “There is no way that the managing editor here would have additional duties on the air.”

“This is a big job and there is no doubt in my mind that we will find somebody great for it,” said Walton