Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the comment team, commission diverse opinion pieces, and engage audiences creatively.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher committed to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team that values diverse opinions and innovative journalism.
- Qualifications: Experience in comment journalism, strong writing skills, and a robust contacts book are essential.
- Other info: We champion diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a supportive workplace for all.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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, making 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.
The Independent is hiring a Voices Editor to lead its award-winning comment desk. The successful candidate will be a team player with an excellent and diverse contacts book, a passion for representing varied opinions on the biggest news stories of the day, and a good knowledge of all aspects of digital journalism – including social media and SEO.
We are looking for someone who reads the news compulsively; who has an opinion on everything but also the ability to work fairly and diplomatically with people who might hold opposing views to their own; who prides themselves on snappy headline-writing and excellent copy-editing; who is able to think laterally and commission creatively; and who can engage audiences in innovative ways.
About you
- Experience of working in comment journalism, or for a mainstream publication in a related capacity.
- A stellar contacts book of writers to commission on topical ideas each day.
- Able to commission big names to write on important issues.
- Proven track record in building new audiences and introducing exciting writers to a digital space.
- Strong understanding of social media.
- Resilient and friendly in a busy newsroom with competing demands.
- Confident in writing and on the phone, checking facts with organisations and reaching out to prominent public figures.
- Experience using a CMS.
- Excellent writer with the ability to turn around an opinion piece at short notice.
- Happy to communicate across different desks and mindful of how an opinion story can collaborate with news, video, features and any other sections.
- Good timekeeping with ability to work quickly and accurately.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead our comment team to bring together a diverse list of opinion pieces each day.
- Delivering topical pieces on issues of the day at short notice across a range of subjects.
- Building and maintaining good relationships with regular columnists and guiding ideas for their pieces.
- Planning ahead to make sure our opinion section has first-rate, thought-provoking comment on big news events.
- Attend meetings to represent the desk.
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.
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.
Contact Detail:
The Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voices Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the journalism community, especially with those who have experience in comment journalism. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and possibly refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current events and trending topics, particularly those that spark diverse opinions. This will not only help you understand what makes a compelling opinion piece but also demonstrate your passion for the news when discussing your ideas during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and the types of opinion pieces they publish. Tailor your discussions and ideas to align with their editorial voice, showcasing how you can contribute to their unique approach to journalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Develop a strong online presence, particularly on social media platforms. Share your thoughts on current issues and engage with other journalists and commentators. This will not only build your credibility but also expand your contacts book, which is crucial for the Voices Editor role.
We think you need these skills to ace Voices Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Voices Editor position. Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your experience in comment journalism or related fields. Provide specific examples of your work, such as pieces you've commissioned or written, and how you've engaged audiences in innovative ways.
Demonstrate Your Skills: Emphasise your skills in headline writing, copy-editing, and using a CMS. Mention any relevant experience with social media and how you've successfully built new audiences in the digital space.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for journalism and your understanding of diverse opinions. Use this opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and how you align with The Independent's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Know Your Audience
Familiarise yourself with The Independent's readership and their interests. Understand the types of opinion pieces that resonate with them, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to engaging this audience.
✨Showcase Your Contacts
Highlight your diverse contacts book during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific writers you could commission and how their perspectives would enhance the Voices section.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy
Be prepared to talk about your experience with digital journalism, including social media strategies and SEO practices. Share examples of how you've successfully built audiences in the digital space.
✨Exhibit Your Editorial Skills
Bring samples of your writing and editing work to showcase your ability to produce compelling opinion pieces quickly. Discuss your approach to headline writing and how you ensure clarity and impact in your copy.
