Open Road Journalist

Society of Professional Journalists; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility & hybrid work

Travel discounts

Rewards program

Insurance discounts

Career mobility

Job summary

NRMA’s Open Road journalist role seeks a seasoned writer to deliver engaging motoring and travel content for print and digital channels. You will write car reviews, road tests and feature stories that entertain and inform Australian readers.

Reporting to the Managing Editor, you’ll manage multiple deadlines, collaborate with editors, designers and social teams, and attend launches and events to capture exclusive insights.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Journalism, Communications, Media, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Pitch, research and write engaging car reviews, road tests and feature articles for Open Road magazine.
• Write SEO-optimised content across motoring, mobility, travel and automotive trends for Open Road's digital channels.
• Attend vehicle launches, media events and industry briefings, providing exclusive readers insights.
• Pitch original story ideas that captivate members and keep Open Road at the forefront of automotive journalism.
• Transform complex automotive topics into accessible, engaging stories for Australians.
• Support production of special print features and packages like road trips and buyers guides.
• Deliver copy on deadline aligned with editorial voice and brand guidelines.

Skills

Journalism degree

Driver's license

5 years experience

SEO writing

Analytics familiarity

Print and digital content

Strong writing and interviewing

Video scripting

Audience engagement

Event reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Motoring and travel enthusiasm

Education

Bachelor's in Journalism

Tools

Sitecore

WordPress

Job description

Company Description

We’re one of Australia’s most trusted brands. Being Member-owned, every decision we make has people and our community at its heart. From our legendary Roadside assistance to electric vehicle charging networks, holiday parks and lodges, car rentals, and harbour transport and ocean cruising we are striving to make a difference that contributes to a brighter shared future for all Australians.

Forget what you thought you knew about the NRMA – take a look on the inside and you’ll discover that life with us is more than just a job – it’s your chance to make a difference together.

Job Description

If you're passionate about cars, love a great road trip and are committed to delivering content that aligns with the NRMA’s values of safety, sustainability and community benefit, this could be the role you've been waiting for!

Open Road is the NRMA’s flagship motoring and travel publication, reaching more than 1.5 million Members across print and digital platforms every quarter. The print magazine remains one of Australia’s most-read publications, offering trusted car reviews, road trip inspiration, and expert motoring advice. Its companion digital hub, Open Road online, delivers timely, SEO-optimised motoring news, reviews and destination content, helping grow NRMA’s reach and engagement between issues.

We’re currently looking for an experienced Journalist who will play a critical role in creating engaging high-quality content that informs, entertains and inspires Australians to drive, travel and explore with confidence across both our Open Road print and digital platforms. Reporting to the Managing Editor, this role requires someone who can work across channels, balance multiple deadlines, and build strong relationships with both industry stakeholders and internal teams.

This is a full-time permanent role offers a hybrid work arrangement across our Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney CBD Offices and working from home as agreed and required for the role.

There will be frequent inter/intra-state travel required for this role.

What You’ll Do

As our Open Road Motoring Journalist, your responsibilities will include:

• Pitch, research and write engaging car reviews, road tests, feature articles and member-focused stories for Open Road magazine.

• Write timely, SEO-optimised content across motoring, mobility, travel and automotive trends for Open Road's digital channels.

• Attend vehicle launches, media events and industry briefings, bringing readers exclusive insights and first‑hand experiences.

• Pitch original story ideas that captivate members and keep Open Road at the forefront of automotive journalism.

• Transform complex automotive and mobility topics into accessible, engaging stories for everyday Australians.

• Support the production of special print features and packages (e.g. road trips, buyer’s guides, motoring advice and features).

• Deliver clean, accurate, and engaging copy on deadline, aligned with the NRMA and Open Road editorial voice while adhering to brand & style guidelines, readability and accessibility standards.

• Collaborate with editors, designers, content strategists and social media teams to deliver world‑class content experiences.

• Create supporting content for social and video channels, including scripts, short‑form content and on‑camera opportunities.

• Work with CMS platforms (e.g. Sitecore) to publish and format web content, ensuring a seamless reader experience.

• Use data and analytics tools to analyse and monitor content performance and inform future digital content planning, story ideas and formats.

• Build relationships with automotive manufacturers, industry experts and PR partners.

• Support the editorial team with special projects, such as awards submissions, content partnerships, or coverage of major events like motor shows or road safety campaigns.

• Help grow one of Australia's most recognised motoring brands by producing content that informs, inspires and empowers members.

What You’ll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines strong journalistic capability with a genuine passion for motoring and Australian travel. You ideally will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Journalism, Communications, Media, or a related field.

• A current and unrestricted Australian driver's licence (essential).

• Up to 5 years’ experience as a journalist, preferably with a focus on motoring, automotive, consumer or lifestyle content.

• Familiarity with writing to SEO best practice and using web CMS platforms (e.g. Sitecore, WordPress).

• Basic understanding of data analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics, SEMrush) to assess story performance and inform content decisions (preferred).

• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality written content for both print and digital platforms.

• Strong writing, research and interviewing skills, with an ability to explain complex motoring or technical topics in a clear and engaging way.

• Experience writing with an eye for editorial angles and an instinct for what will resonate with both member and general audiences.

• Experience writing scripts for social media videos, presenting to camera and video editing.

• Experience writing for and engaging an audience of mature Australians or a broad member‑based audience (highly regarded).

• Experience attending and reporting on events, launches, or media programs under tight deadlines with the confidence to liaise with industry representatives, PR professionals and event organisers.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment with editors, content strategists, designers and social media producers.

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines.

• A passion for cars, road safety, sustainability, or Australian travel is a definite advantage.

What's in it for you?

At the NRMA we aren’t just about discounts (although you do get these too). We offer benefits to help make work and life just right for you!

• Progressive flexibility, leave and well‑being benefits to balance all of life's priorities

• Travel discounts on SIXT car rental, cruises, and accommodation at our award‑winning NRMA Holiday Parks and Resorts

• Complimentary myNRMA Rewards membership including free Roadside Assistance & discounts on groceries, movie tickets, gift cards, gym memberships, attractions, restaurants and much more

• Discounts on a range of NRMA personal insurance products including car, home & travel

• Grow, progress or relocate your career and move around the NRMA Group or different locations with us.

Know you belong

We’re for inclusion, diversity and representing the members, guests, customers and communities we serve. That’s why we welcome applications from First Nations, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, people of all genders, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to be a part of our team.
Successful applicants will be required to complete pre‑employment checks.

Our Talent Acquisition Team and Hiring Leaders kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. The NRMA is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.