Head of Editorial

Folio Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable editorial organization in the United Kingdom seeks a Head of Editorial to develop and execute a strategy for a journalism unit. The ideal candidate will manage a small team of journalists, have strong writing and editing skills, and a background in news or investigative journalism. This full-time position emphasizes collaboration and developing others' skills within a nonprofit framework.

Qualifications

• Experience in news and investigations copy commissioning and editing.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with a proven track record.
• Strong project and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute journalism strategy.
• Manage commissioning and editing for a team of journalists.
• Write and edit news copy aligned with the organisation's mission.

Skills

Commissioning and editing news and investigations copy

Writing and editing clear, concise copy

Managing people and projects

Knowledge of the UK political landscape

Experience in NGO and news outlets

Familiarity with print and other output strategies

Job description

This exciting opportunity is at a well-respected organization that uses the law to hold power to account, fight injustice, and promote a fairer future.

Overview

The Head of Editorial will be responsible for developing and executing a strategy for a journalism unit, including managing a small team of staff journalists, commissioning freelancers, and editing and shaping the organisation’s output. The ideal candidate will be a skilled, talented writer and editor with a background in news/investigative journalism and a passion for developing others.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategy for journalism.
• Manage the internal commissioning and editing process for a team, presently, of two full-time journalists, ensuring their work is aligned with the overall content strategy.
• Develop and build a roster of paid freelance writers.
• Write and edit sharp, purposeful news copy that aligns with the organisation’s mission and voice.
• Support the communications and campaigns team in developing their written communication skills. This includes providing guidance, feedback, and formal training.
• Contribute from time to time to the external profile of the Director and other key spokespeople by editing or writing compelling copy for speeches, articles, and other communications.
• Identify and address skills gaps, and deliver training and development programmes for all content-producing staff and freelancers.

Person Specification

• Experience of commissioning and editing news and investigations copy.
• Exceptional writing and editing, with proven ability to create clear, concise, and compelling copy.
• Strong skills in managing people, projects, and external contributors.
• Knowledge of the UK political landscape.
• Experience of working in both an ‘NGO’ and a news/investigations outlet.
• Experience of writing in politically sensitive areas.
• Familiarity with integrating print and other output strategies.

Abilities

• Commitment to a high standard of professional behaviours, including collaboration, honesty and integrity.
• Strong creative and critical analytical skills, and an ability to grasp quickly new concepts and areas of the law with an openness to learning new ideas.
• Self-motivated with ability to work unsupervised, but can also work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in attitude and approach to work, with a willingness to ‘muck in’ and support the team with whatever might arise, working towards a common objective.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills which engage colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple demands while consistently meeting deadlines.
• IT skills in core business applications and in the use of case management systems.

Other requirements

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and an ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Interested and motivated to further own skills and knowledge.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Writing/Editing, Research, and Management

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations
• Law Practice