Editorial Lead: Strategy, Team & Storytelling

Merand Corbett & Associates; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Merand Corbett & Associates in Stellenbosch is seeking an Editorial Leader to drive strategy and lead the editorial team across all channels.

The role focuses on developing compelling stories for diverse audiences, maintaining standards, and coordinating content packages with field teams.

Strong writing, leadership and project management are essential; experience in public relations or journalism is preferred.

Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, communications, media studies, English or related field.
• 7+ years in journalism, publishing, PR or editorial environment.
• Proven experience leading and developing a team.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Experience developing content across audiences, platforms and formats.
• Experience across written, digital and multimedia content.
• Strong understanding of media, audiences and content strategy.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear narratives.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Structured, supportive leadership and coaching ability.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop editorial team with clear direction and feedback.
• Oversee editorial work ensuring quality, accountability and timely delivery.
• Establish editorial standards, workflows and quality-control processes.
• Commission, brief and guide writers and contributors.
• Build team capability for independent delivery.
• Own editorial function with reduced oversight from CCO.
• Identify and develop compelling stories aligned with priorities.
• Develop content for diverse audiences including governments, donors, media and partners.
• Produce and oversee high-quality web, social media, newsletters and case studies.
• Translate complex programme information into engaging narratives.
• Coordinate integrated content packages across channels.
• Work with field teams to ensure authentic representation of people and landscape.
• Provide editorial guidance and quality control across outputs.
• Own organisational visibility calendar and plan milestones and campaigns.
• Align activities with strategy, fundraising and external opportunities.
• Contribute to media pitching and major communications initiatives.
• Monitor delivery and address delays and competing priorities.

Skills

Editorial leadership

Team management

Content strategy

Storytelling

Writing & editing

Cross-platform content

Education

Bachelor or equivalent in journalism/communications

Job description

Merand Corbett & Associates in Stellenbosch is seeking an Editorial Leader to drive strategy and lead the editorial team across all channels.

The role focuses on developing compelling stories for diverse audiences, maintaining standards, and coordinating content packages with field teams.

Strong writing, leadership and project management are essential; experience in public relations or journalism is preferred.