Deadline: 26 January 2011
INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS
CAPE TIMES - ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
The Cape Times wishes to employ an Assistant News Editor to play a pivotal support role on the news desk. Under the overall leadership of the editor, the successful applicant will work closely with the news editor, night news editor and assistant editor: head of news.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Generating story ideas suitable for the publication
* Editing copy to strict deadlines
* In consultation with the news editor, manage the editorial team including briefing and assigning reporters and photographers to ensure optimum news coverage
* Coaching and developing staff
* Ensuring the newsdesk diary is kept up to date on a daily basis and that the newsdesk is kept abreast of all relevant news events.
* Ensuring that the newsdesk operation runs smoothly by ensuring all basic routine newsroom systems operate and function effectively
* Standing in for the news editor or night news editor when required
* Being contactable beyond working hours
* Assisting with training and mentoring in the newsroom
PREFERRED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
* At least five years experience of news gathering, reporting and copy editing at a senior level on a newspaper
* Previous experience in leading a news team
* An in-depth understanding of what comprises good local news as well as national and global issues
* An excellent working knowledge of the law
* Working knowledge of a daily newspapers operation and production requirements
* A keen news sense and ability to initiate news eature stories aside breaking news
* A good understanding of the Cape Times target market
PREFERRED COMPETENCIES:
* Excellent news sense
* Excellent communication, presentation and administrative skills
* Ability to use initiative
* Proven management and leadership skills
* Attention to detail
* Excellent language skills
* Ability to work accurately under extreme pressure to deadline
* Ability to motivate, inspire and energise the newsroom team
Applicants should submit examples of recently published articles applicable. This appointment will be made in line with the Cape Times employment equity plan. Applicants should submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to: Lucien Jacobs, Human Resources Department, Newspaper House, 122 St Georges Mall, P O Box 56, Cape Town or fax 021 488 4181
Email: lucien.jacobs@inl.co.za
Closing date for applications is Wednesday January 26th, 2011. If you have not been contacted within 21 days after the closing date of this advertisement, please consider that your application has been unsuccessful. OM04125961
Location: Cape Town - Central
Experience Requirement: Minimum 5 Years