The Mail & Guardian online is taking its website to the next level and needs an energetic, disciplined and team-playing news hound to lead the site's newsdesk and our growing editorial team.
The News Editor will primarily be in charge of the day-to-day running of the site and oversee the uploading of content by other site editors.
The News Editor will report to the Online Editor and his deputy, and must implement the editorial strategy as determined in conjunction with them. He or she will also be involved in further crafting and honing the site's editorial direction.
He or she will lead the site's team of reporters and run daily news meetings, as well as determine the daily direction of the site's content. Very strong leadership must also be provided to the other site editors and subs, and strong liaisons built with the newspaper newsdesk in line with convergence plans between the site and the newspaper.
He or she will need a subbing background to ensure that all site copy is flawless, including wire and original copy by the online and newspaper reporters writing for the site.
Key outputs
* Determine the news focus for the day and that news is broken timeously
* Publish articles, pictures and galleries using the Mail & Guardian Online content management system
* Run daily diary meetings and oversee writers' work
* Lead the site's sub-editors. Determine best practice for editing the site and make sure it's implemented by all site editors
* Liaise with the Mail & Guardian newspaper newsdesk around shared stories and other collaboration
* Attend newspaper diary meetings where necessary
* Contribute to the strategic thinking around the Mail & Guardian's overall news strategy
* Copy tasting from the wires
* Sub articles daily as and when necessary
* Oversee the rewriting of wire copy where necessary
* Assist in the production of multimedia content where necessary, particularly in subbing captions and blurbs
* Be able to work flexible hours including weekends
* Run a shift schedule with the other site editors, covering weekends and public holidays
Qualifications and experience
* Appropriate post-matric qualification or equivalent, preferably in journalism
* At least five years' experience in a major news organisation
* At least two years' experience in managing or leading a team
* Experience on a news desk
* Online experience is essential
Knowledge
* Net-savvy
* Knowledge of media law and ethics
* First-class English language skills
* A firm grasp of current affairs, especially locally
* A thorough understanding of the Mail & Guardian news brand
Skills
* Very strong interpersonal skills
* Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
* Exceptional planning and implementation skills
* Ability to quickly assimilate and apply M&G Online style
* Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
* Able to meet deadlines
* Strong analytical ability
* Leadership skills
Behavioural / attributes
* A high degree of self-management
* Proactive
* Creative
* Sound judgement
* Team player
* Good communicator
* Handle stress and confrontation well
The appointment will be done in line with M&G Media Ltd Employment Equity Policy and the remuneration will commensurate with the position.
Applications should be addressed to Rowena Montsho.
Email address: hrofficer@mg.co.za