Commissioning Editor, Project Publishing

Aboutus Ft; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Medical cover

Parental leave

Job summary

Financial Times is seeking a commissioning editor for its Project Publishing team in London, responsible for end-to-end delivery of individual reports or series. You will commission articles, graphics and videos, edit copy, and prepare for print and online publication.

We expect strong editors with broad knowledge of FT topics, excellent communication, and ability to collaborate with freelancers and internal desks. On-site role with flexible patterns and share of events work.

Qualifications

• Understanding editorial workflows and commissioning processes.
• Ability to edit and fact-check copy to deadlines.
• Experience in managing multiple projects end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Write or commission synopses for reports and series with writers and editors.
• Commission articles and multimedia content for special reports and projects.
• Edit, fact-check and prepare copy for online and print publication by deadlines.
• Liaise with editorial desks on feasibility, scheduling and commissioning.
• Review video edits and graphics for sign-off.
• Pitch ideas for innovative editorial projects.

Skills

Core FT subjects

Excellent communication

Edit copy

CMS familiarity

Embed video/graphics

Events collaboration

Project planning & management

Job description

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

The role

The FT is seeking a commissioning editor for its Project Publishing team, which goes beyond the day-to-day news to produce in-depth content such as special reports on topics that are critical to FT readers, from AI to the business of sport, and from the legal sector to luxury goods.

The commissioning editors on the team take responsibility for producing an individual report, project, or series from start to finish. This involves coming up with an initial concept; making decisions about what content to include and in what format; commissioning articles, graphics and videos; editing copy; preparing for print and online publication; and arranging online promotion.

We're looking for an imaginative all-rounder, who is adept at handling a wide range of commissioning and editing tasks, and is comfortable working closely with colleagues across the FT and freelance contributors. We are also looking for someone who is full of ideas for both traditional special reports and more innovative online formats that will resonate with new and existing FT readers.

Key responsibilities

• Writing or commissioning synopses for individual reports and series, in collaboration with specialist writers and senior editors;
• Commissioning articles and multimedia content for special reports and new projects covering core editorial verticals such as: asset management, science, technology, sustainability, climate health, law, business education, and regions/countries
• Editing, fact-checking and revising articles, and preparing for publication, to online and print deadlines;
• Liaising with editorial desks and bureaux on feasibility, scheduling and commissioning of special reports and new projects;
• Reviewing video edits and graphics for sign off;
• Pitching ideas for new editorial projects that can deliver innovative in-depth coverage of core editorial topics
• Collaborating with FT Live to bring existing event content to FT readers;
• Partnering with main news desk to secure homepage promotion for most newsworthy content;
• Working with audience engagement and social media teams to promote published content externally.

Key skills

• Knowledge of the core FT subjects;
• Excellent communication skills in order to liaise effective with other editorial desks, and internal and external reporters;
• The ability to edit copy;
• Familiarity with content management systems;
• The ability to embed video and graphics;
• Previous experience collaborating with events teams;
• Previous experience project planning and management

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not by default use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

FT Newsroom staff are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week, subject to role requirements and regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for Editorial roles.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [e-mail] and a member of our team will be happy to help.