Deadline: 10 February 2011
INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS, CAPE WEEKEND ARGUS, NEWS EDITOR
Weekend Argus is looking for a news editor to take charge of a vibrant newsroom that produces two weekend newspapers each week. The successful applicant will have a strong track record in journalism and experience in newsroom management. A passion for news, well-developed organisational and people skills, meticulousness and creativity are key to success in this post. Experience in weekend journalism would be a distinct advantage.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Generate story ideas for the main body of the newspaper and the Life, Review and Workplace sections
* Develop and maintain a culture of excellence in the newsroom
* Coach and mentor staff as well as brief and debrief reporters
* Work closely with graphics and photographic staff to make news package compelling and distinctive
* Carry out the agenda as outlined by the editor, and ensure that briefs are executed accurately
* Manage the news diary and attend news conferences
* Liaise closely with senior editorial staff on Weekend Argus as well as the group's weekend titles countrywide.
* Ensure that the newsroom is ahead of the game regarding Cape news
* Take responsibility for managing the newsroom staff
* Do copytasting
* Be available after regular working hours
PREFERRED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
* Have a good understanding of the Cape newspaper market and the South African weekend newspaper market
* Have a good understanding of weekend newspaper news requirements
* Have good contacts
* Have extensive experience of news-gathering and reporting.
Knowledge of sport, entertainment and politics would be a plus as would an understanding of feature writing and investigative journalism
* Have proven ability to initiate story ideas and develop them into splashes and page leads
* Be able to utilise internet and social media resources
PREFERRED COMPETENCIES:
* Have proven management abilities and administration skills
* Have excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
* Have excellent English language skills
* Be willing to coach and mentor staff
* Be skilled in re-writing, especially on deadline
* Be willing to work irregular hours and on Saturdays
This appointment will be made in line with the Weekend Argus employment equity targets
Applicants should submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to: Lucien Jacobs, Human Resources Department, Newspaper House, 122 St George's Mall, P O Box 56, Cape Town or fax to 021 488 4181.
Applications may also be emailed to: lucien.jacobs@inl.co.za
Please state clearly the position you are applying for and all applications must be accompanied with a copy of your South African identity document.
Closing date for applications is 10th February 2011. If you have not been contacted within 21 days after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.