Senior Writer - Editorial

Edelman; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading communications consultancy in Johannesburg seeks a Senior Writer to craft compelling long-form content and provide editorial leadership across diverse industries. Candidates should have 5–10 years in writing or editing, along with strong storytelling skills. Join a creative team that values trust and innovation, offering a collaborative environment and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in writing, editing, or journalism.
• Strong command of language and narrative structure.
• Ability to write across multiple tones and formats.

Responsibilities

• Research, write and edit high-quality long-form content.
• Develop narratives and editorial strategies for media impact.
• Conduct interviews with senior stakeholders.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Interviewing

Storytelling

Communication

Tools

AI-assisted writing tools

Job description

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises : boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum.At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. About Edelman Africa Edelman Africa is a leading Pan-African communications consultancy that partners with businesses and organisations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. For over 25 years, we’ve been helping clients deliver meaningful results across more than 30 countries on the continent.With offices in Johannesburg and Nairobi, our culturally diverse team of strategists, journalists, designers and editorial experts bring together insight, creativity and craft to tell stories that move at the speed of news - making an immediate impact, transforming culture and sparking movements.Edelman Africa is part of Edelman — the world’s largest independent communications firm, with 6,000+ people in over 60 offices worldwide.

The Role We’re looking for an experienced Senior Writer to join our Editorial team in Johannesburg. This role calls for a confident, adaptable storyteller - ideally someone with a background in both journalism and PR - who can craft compelling long-form content, thought leadership, and opinion pieces that resonate across industries.You’ll work across a diverse client portfolio including financial services, health, technology and consumer brands, collaborating closely with our client leads, strategists and creatives. You’ll have the confidence to take ownership of briefs end-to-end, from information mining and interviewing through to delivery, while providing editorial counsel and thought leadership to teams and clients alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, write and edit high-quality long-form content including thought leadership articles, op-eds, speeches, scripts, reports and campaign copy.
• Partner with client teams to develop narratives and editorial strategies that drive earned media impact.
• Conduct interviews and content‑mining sessions with senior stakeholders, distilling complex information into accessible, engaging stories.
• Advise account teams and clients on content angles, tone, and placement opportunities in line with media trends and the current news agenda.
• Support media training initiatives by bringing a journalist’s mindset and understanding of the newsroom environment.
• Contribute to creative ideation sessions and integrated campaigns alongside strategy and creative colleagues.
• Review and edit written materials produced by other team members, maintaining the highest standards of quality, accuracy and tone.

About you

• 5–10 years’ experience in writing, editing, or journalism ideally within an agency, newsroom, or corporate communications environment.
• A strong command of language and narrative structure with demonstrated experience in long‑form writing.
• Ability to write across multiple tones and formats (corporate, creative, brand storytelling, advisory).
• Comfortable working independently & able to take briefs, extract insights, and deliver content with minimal supervision.
• Skilled interviewer and communicator; confident engaging with senior stakeholders and clients.
• Curious, agile, and adaptable with the ability to pivot across sectors and subject matter.
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted writing tools and an understanding of how to use them smartly and ethically.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a fast‑moving, integrated environment.

Why Edelman?

At Edelman, we believe in the power of trust — and we’re proud to partner with brands that are transforming industries and shaping culture. You’ll join a team that values creativity, curiosity and courage, with the freedom to explore bold ideas and the support to turn them into reality. We offer a collaborative, inclusive and flexible work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of a global network that’s redefining the future of communications. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.