National Assistant News Editor

GUARDIAN NEWS AND MEDIA; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An influential UK media organization seeks a national assistant news editor based in London. This role involves planning, commissioning, and editing national news coverage by generating ideas and assessing pitches across diverse subjects. Ideal candidates possess substantial editing experience, a strong knowledge of current affairs, and a commitment to bringing diverse perspectives to the newsroom.

Benefits

Generous annual leave (6 weeks plus bank holidays)

Flexible pension contributions

Access to wellbeing support

Free yoga and pilates classes

Corporate gym membership

Volunteering days

Flexible parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of working as a journalist or editor at a national or major media outlet.
• Proven experience of breaking or working on agenda-setting news stories.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current affairs.

Responsibilities

• Helping to set the news agenda for the day, including monitoring key news sources.
• Editing copy to ensure it is accurate, balanced, and engaging.
• Planning coverage of future events and identifying the best storytelling methods.

Skills

Editing

Journalism

Current affairs knowledge

Diversity perspective

Job description

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We’re looking for anational assistant news editorfor a permanent contract based in our London office to plan, commission and edit national news coverage.

You'll be generating ideas, assessing pitches and commissioning stories across a diverse range of subjects, including politics, social affairs, crime and courts, inequality and injustice, and positive stories of human endeavour and achievement.

About the role:

• Helping to set the news agenda for the day, including working with reporters and editors on reactive and original news coverage and news features, and monitoring key news sources.
• Editing copy to ensure it is accurate, balanced and engaging, and liaising with the legal department on stories and investigations.
• Planning coverage of future events, and working with reporters and editors to identify the best possible way of telling stories in an engaging way for the Guardian’s diverse audience, including multimedia content.
• Contributing to the smooth running and management of a busy department, including fostering positive working relationships with colleagues.

About you:

• Demonstrable experience of working as a journalist or editor at a national or other major media outlet.
• Proven experience of breaking or working on agenda-setting news stories.
• Proven experience of editing clean, lively news copy and engaging features.
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of current affairs.
• Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role.

We actively encourage applications from candidates who are Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) or from other groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact Sean Brinkley ([e-mail]) so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter that outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 4th September 2025.

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Benefits and policies at the Guardian

You’ll havesix weeks of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days.Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace.We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.