Night News Editor, Print (freelance)

The i Paper is seeking an experienced news editor to oversee the late print newsdesk on a freelance basis. The role requires coordinating news copyflow for print, liaising with production colleagues about changes to print layout, and assisting senior editors on print splash packages. This role is at the heart of The i Paper’s busy print operation and requires a supreme multi-tasker with impeccable news judgement, an eye for detail and a cool head. We are looking for an immediate start to cover staff annual leave on a Sunday to Friday rotation and the core hours are 1pm to 10pm. These shifts will be worked in-house at The i Paper’s HQ in London.

Job Specifications Are:

• To work with the print news editor on ensuring smooth copyflow for print production throughout the afternoon and evening.
• To take sole charge of the late print newsdesk in the evening, taking responsibility for late changes to copy and any necessary alterations to the splash package.
• To oversee strength of print packages and suggest improvements where necessary to ensure high quality of print news pages.
• To help identify late breaking stories necessary for print, commission and coordinate.
• To keep senior editors briefed on developing stories, managing alterations to print splash packages where required.

Skills and Experience

• Excellent people-management skills, and a proven ability to get the best out of experienced journalists.
• Experience of leading a team, and a desire to be leading from the front in a busy and demanding newsroom.
• A self-starter bursting with ideas and a track record in developing exclusive journalism.
• Two years’ experience on a national or major regional newsdesk or news website.
• Strong news judgement – and an ability to spot news stories and make the case for them in conference or to individual editors.
• Understanding of SEO and how to use social media to promote stories is key.
• Strong copy editing and writing skills are a must.
• Ability to give direction, advice, and feedback to reporters.
• Approach the news agenda in a creative and original manner.
• A strong understanding of the news agenda at home and abroad.
• Familiarity with AP Playbook or other content planning tools.
• Good knowledge of media law and The Editors’ Code of Practice (IPSO).

About Us

The i Paper is the only national newspaper that has never supported a political party and it reaches more than 9.2 million readers each month in print and online. It is committed to delivering accurate, impartial news and intelligent debate, trusting readers to make up their own minds. It is the winner of 2024 UK Newspaper of the Year and is rapidly growing its digital subscriptions base, recently hitting 70k total subscriptions.

Our Commitment

We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We are Disability Confident Committed.