This is a unique and exciting opportunity to manage the editorial operations of Positive News, the world’s first publication dedicated to quality journalism that focuses on progress and possibility.

Positive News is at the forefront of the emerging field of ‘constructive journalism’. In July 2015, we ran #OwnTheMedia – a groundbreaking campaign through which we became the first global media cooperative financed by crowdfunding. Positive News is now owned by 1,500 readers, journalists and supporters. Using the investment raised, we are pursuing a new business plan and relaunching with refreshed branding, a new website and print magazine in January 2016.

We are now seeking a new Editor to drive our editorial development at this time of growth. The Editor will manage all editorial activity across digital and print. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the media landscape through steering our content.

This is a full time, senior position within a small team. The Editor will be responsible for ongoing development of our new magazine (re-launching in 2016) as well as new forms of digital content, including text, data, audio and video formats.

You will work closely with the current Editor-in-Chief, who will be transitioning to the role of Publisher/Chief Executive upon your appointment. In hand with the Publisher you will develop, refine and implement the organisation’s editorial strategy. You will ensure editorial operations support the business objectives.

You will be responsible for managing junior members of the editorial team as well as freelance journalists, photographers and other contributors. The Editor will also develop and maintain relationships with our readers, members and co-owners through editorial interaction.

You will help shape editorial budgets and be expected to cost-effectively deliver high-quality constructive journalism.

As a small team, staff members are required to embrace a wide and varying range of tasks, including those outside of their main responsibilities, as and when required.

The position is based at our office in central London, with occasional travel, and opportunities to work flexible hours and from home some of the time.

You will be working for an established, respected and pioneering media brand, which as a beyond-profit organisation has a socially beneficial purpose. We believe in investing in our people, employee wellbeing, and ethical leadership.

Key duties:

Oversee production of content, from ideas to commissioning and publication
Ensure smooth and efficient daily editorial operations
Manage editorial staff, journalists, photographers & illustrators, subeditors, proofreaders, interns, volunteers, and relationships with content partners
Manage editorial workflows and production schedules
Maintain editorial standards and style
Develop editorial strategy and policies
Support editorial innovation and development of our products and services, both online and offline
Build a global and diverse network of expert contributors
Write news, features and opinion
Represent our publication and stories in the media
Set and monitor targets and key performance indicators for our content and its impact
Provide regular reporting on editorial activity

Person specification:

Passionate about journalism and its potential to serve society
Proven high-level journalism experience, with at least 3-5 years experience of overseeing editorial planning and production processes
Experience in both print and digital publishing, including competence with social media
Sharp awareness of mainstream and alternative news agendas
Expertise in judging news value, and a flare for editorial creativity and originality
Keen understanding of how the digital media landscape is evolving and interest in media innovation
Deep interest in positive social and environmental change
Good commercial awareness and competence in managing tight editorial budgets
Proven track record of effectively managing journalists, editors and staff, and an ability to develop and coach editorial staff
Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality
Sharp writing skill (native English required), and excellent editing and proofreading abilities
Familiarity with CMS, publishing systems and workflows
Ability to work under high pressure and tight deadlines, adapt to last minute changes to planned activity and manage a sizeable workload
Highly organised and efficient, with firm project management skills
Impeccable communicator with strong teamwork skills and a constructive attitude
Effective networker with ability to forge effective relationships with a wide range of contacts, and confidence in media appearances

How to apply

Click the “apply online” button below and send a CV (no more than two pages) and covering letter, demonstrating your skills, experience, suitability and passion for the role. In your letter, please also include one pitch for a constructive story you think would suit Positive News and explain why, and briefly outline one idea for a potential new section for our magazine or website.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 11th January 2016 and first round interviews will take place w/c 18th January.

For enquiries about this role, please email: office@positivenews.org.uk