Lead News Editor — Print & Digital, Hybrid/Flexible Hours

The Sydney Morning Herald; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sydney Morning Herald is seeking a senior editorial leader to oversee the print edition, curating premium journalism for five days a week. You will balance strong news judgment with operational efficiency and work closely with editors to deliver high-quality pages.

Reporting to the Editor, you will guide headlines, captions, and layout while ensuring on-time delivery and cross-masthead collaboration to streamline content and workflows.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive experience in news curation across print and/or digital forums.
• Outstanding editorial and news judgment tailored to the Herald's audience.
• Exceptional command of English grammar, syntax, and headline writing.
• Prior experience using digital publishing and content management systems.
• Proven ability to manage tight production deadlines with excellent time management.
• Strong collaborative skills to build cross-masthead relationships.

Responsibilities

• Attend news conferences and assess online stories to curate the print edition.
• Build a newslist (runsheet) to direct page production.
• Oversee the overall quality and accuracy of all print content.
• Craft engaging, precise headlines, captions and print elements.
• Determine page 1 lead stories and promotional highlights in consultation with the Editor.
• Collaborate with The Age to streamline shared national content and workflows.
• Ensure on-time delivery of completed pages to production deadlines.

Skills

News curation

Editorial judgment

Headline writing

CMS experience

Deadline management

Collaboration

Tools

CMS

Job description

Nine is Australia’s largest locally owned media company. We are home to premium, trusted news, sport and entertainment. Nine's assets span free-to-air television, free and paid streaming, publishing and digital audio, and digital outdoor and retail media. Our content reaches almost every Australian - meaning what we do has real impact. We bring people together, celebrate the big moments, and capture the everyday ones. As our iconic and emerging brands continue to evolve, we offer unique opportunities for you to bring fresh ideas, innovate, and make your mark on the future of Australian media.

As Australia’s most widely read masthead and number one news brand, Sydney Morning Herald is proudly committed to fearless, independent, and accurate journalism. Reaching millions each month across print and digital platforms, our newsroom offers unparalleled opportunities to contribute to a storied legacy, shape national conversations, and drive impact in the media industry.

Job Description

Reporting directly to the Editor, this key leadership role oversees the curation and quality of the print edition of The Sydney Morning Herald, showcasing the masthead's premier journalism across all topic areas. You will curate high-quality online content into a compelling publication five days a week, balancing top-tier news judgment with operational efficiency.

Day-to-day You Will

• Attend news conference and assess online stories from all topic areas to curate the print edition.
• Build a newslist (runsheet) to direct the production of pages.
• Oversee the overall quality and accuracy of all print content.
• Craft engaging, precise headlines, captions and unique print elements.
• Determine page 1 lead stories and promotional highlights in consultation with the Editor.
• Collaborate with The Age to streamline shared national content and workflows.
• Ensure the strict, on-time delivery of completed pages to production deadlines.
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Comprehensive experience in news curation across print and/or digital forums.
• Outstanding editorial and news judgment tailored to the Herald's audience.
• Exceptional command of English grammar, syntax, and headline writing.
• Prior experience utilising digital publishing and content management systems.
• Proven ability to manage tight production deadlines with excellent time management.
• Strong collaborative skills to build effective cross-masthead relationships.
  
  

Additional Information

How we work

At Nine, our flexible work options vary by role and team. Depending on the position, this may include flexible hours, hybrid work, or part-time arrangements. We welcome discussing your flexibility needs during the hiring process - just ask the Talent Acquisition team.

Our Employee Benefits Include

Nine offers a variety of benefits and perks to support you. Learn more about our full benefits offering here: https://ninecareers.com.au/benefits-and-how-we-work/

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We're committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive Nine. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures as we recognise the importance and value of diverse perspectives. Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please advise us when you apply.

Work rights: Please note to apply for this role you must already have the right to lawfully work and live in Australia.