The Mail & Guardian Online is looking for a day editor to run the website during the day and help lead the site's newsdesk and news team.
The day editor will report to the news and deputy editor 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 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
- Run the Mail & Guardian site from 6am to 2pm Mondays to Fridays (the day shift)
- Take ownership of that particular shift, ensuring that all relevant procedures and outputs are observed
- Determine the news focus for the day and that news is broken timeously
- Copy tasting and rewriting of wire copy where necessary
- Publish articles, pictures and galleries using the Mail & Guardian Online content management system
- Train and guide junior subs working the dayshift accordingly, ensuring that all outputs published on the site in this time is of the highest quality and standard, including content published by others
- Contribute to the editorial and strategic direction of the site as a senior member of the team
- Ensure that social networks linked to the Mail & Guardian are kept ticking over during the day shift, and that wire copy is enhanced and reworked as necessary
- Contribute to daily diary meetings and oversee writers' work
- Be able to work flexible hours as necessary, including once a month on weekends
- Assist in the production of multimedia content where necessary, particularly in subbing captions and blurbs
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.
Send your applications here.
Deadline: September 15 2012