At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our travel team to create engaging content and lead exciting projects.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher committed to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with flexibility and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping travel journalism in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in travel writing or editing, strong SEO knowledge, and excellent writing skills required.
- Other info: This role requires at least two days in our London office.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
About us
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first to give photography the same prestige as a news copy; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings; the first broadsheet to move to the more compact ‘tabloid’ format; the first to launch a concise quality compact paper; and the first – and only – major newspaper to pull off a successful transformation to fully digital publishing.
Through The Independent, Independent TV, eCommerce, indy100, subscriptions and other ‘reader revenues’, The Independent plans to continue the work of many decades, bringing much-needed independent journalism to over 100 million unique global visitors a month, make its voice ever louder and more insistent the world over.
We have an international editorial team with our main offices in London and New York.
In 2024 The Independent’s portfolio of brands increased through a new licencing partnership with BuzzFeed Inc. to operate the BuzzFeed brands in the UK – BuzzFeed UK, Tasty, Seasoned and HuffPost UK. The additional brands echo the existing business ethos and allow for increased audiences and a further strategic diversification of revenue streams.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone
We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here.
The Independent is an equal opportunities employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.
The Role
The Independent is looking for an experienced deputy travel editor to join its desk of travel experts. The successful candidate will work across the entire section, covering everything from breaking news and in-depth features to evergreen-style roundups and video/audio content. You must be familiar with using a CMS and have a strong digital news sense, with knowledge of best practice when it comes to SEO and writing for an online audience. You should be able to work unflustered in a fast-paced environment, able to give clear briefs and constructive edits when working with writers. A forensic eye for errors and an ability to polish an average article into something worthy of a national newspaper is important. Energy and enthusiasm are key in this fast-paced role; we’re looking for someone who’s excited to step up to the challenge and become an integral part of this small but successful team.
About you
Key responsibilities
- Sourcing and writing traffic-driving pieces – such as news, features, and guides – under tight deadlines
- Pitching strong ideas at editorial meetings
- Commissioning and editing travel features to a high standard
- Taking charge of commissions and projects from conception to publication
- Monitoring and analysing website traffic with an eye to grow pageviews and unique users
- Featuring in The Independent’s travel video and audio series
- Deputising for the travel editor in their absence
- Monitoring and analysing website traffic with an eye to grow pageviews and unique users
Skills
- Experience as a deputy travel editor or senior travel writer on a newspaper, magazine or similar
- Strong editorial eye to craft clickable headlines
- Proficient using a CMS
- Excellent writing skills and demonstrable experience of editing copy to a high standard
- Organised and unflappable
- First-rate knowledge of SEO and writing for a digital audience
- A knowledge and understanding of The Independent brand, and how the travel desk fits into the title’s vision
- Deep knowledge of the key travel trends that shape UK tourism today, and key contacts within the industry
- Previous work in a newsroom preferable
Please note: This is a hybrid post with a minimum of two days in our London office.
Our values – you will deliver across all our values
Inclusive: We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. Working as a team, we put transparency and effective communication at the heart of everything we do.
Innovative: From the very beginning, The Independent has been breaking the mould. We take risks and are always looking to try new ideas in pursuit of excellence.
Independent: Nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own minds and aren’t afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.
Deputy Travel Editor employer: The Independent
Contact Detail:
The Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Travel Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with The Independent's travel section by reading recent articles and understanding their style. This will help you pitch ideas that align with their editorial voice and current trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with industry professionals and travel writers to gain insights into the latest trends in travel journalism. Having strong contacts can be a significant advantage when sourcing stories or commissioning features.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on SEO best practices and digital content strategies. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of driving traffic through effective headlines and engaging content will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your editing skills by bringing examples of your previous work where you've transformed average articles into compelling pieces. Highlight your ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Travel Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Deputy Travel Editor position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in sourcing, writing, and editing travel content.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Include samples of your writing that demonstrate your ability to create engaging, traffic-driving pieces. Highlight any experience you have with SEO and writing for a digital audience, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Your Editorial Experience: Emphasize your previous roles as a deputy travel editor or senior travel writer. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully commissioned and edited travel features, and how you've contributed to a team in a fast-paced environment.
Align with The Independent's Values: In your application, reflect on how your personal values align with those of The Independent, particularly regarding diversity, innovation, and independence. Show that you understand the brand and its vision for the travel desk.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Know The Independent's Vision
Familiarize yourself with The Independent's brand and its approach to travel journalism. Understand how the travel desk contributes to the overall vision of the publication, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that demonstrate your strong editorial eye and ability to craft engaging headlines. Be ready to discuss how you have successfully edited content to meet high standards in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your SEO Knowledge
Since the role requires a solid understanding of SEO, come prepared to discuss best practices for writing for a digital audience. Share specific strategies you've used to drive traffic and increase engagement on previous articles.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to work under tight deadlines. Prepare to share experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and attention to detail.