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.
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
Essential:
* 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.
Desirable:
* 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.