Head of Editorial

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

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