At a Glance
- Tasks: Write, commission, and edit obituaries for a leading medical journal.
- Company: Join The BMJ, a global healthcare knowledge provider.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous pension contributions, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in healthcare journalism while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or medical journalism and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
The BMJ is seeking an experienced journalist or editor to join The BMJ as obituaries editor. This is a part-time position working (0.6 FTE). Working with the UK Editor, you will be responsible for The BMJ’s obituaries – writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries for publication online and in the fortnightly print journal. You will have a track record of writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries or other types of health or medical journalism. You will have expertise in writing and editing for online and print audiences, and be able to work to tight deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Write, commission, and edit obituaries for use online and in print
- Develop and maintain contacts to source leads for obituaries
- Liaise with bereaved families to organise individual obituaries
- Maintain responsibility for the obituaries pages in the print journal
Skills and Experience
- Considerable experience in writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries or other types of health or medical journalism
- Knowledge and understanding of medical research, public health, and health policy in an international context
- Knowledge and understanding of copyright and media law
- Communication and negotiation skills
Why work for us
Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world’s most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges.
Flexible Work and Workplace Perks
- Generous double-matching employer pension contribution, up to 12%
- Discounted dental and travel insurance
- Seven x salary life assurance cover and a generous income protection package
- Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan
- Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward
Work-life balance and wellbeing
- Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off
- Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days
- Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married
- Concierge service
- Seniorcare by Lottie
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not buzzwords to us, but fundamental company priorities. We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive positive change in our industry. If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you. Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.
Disability Confident
Committed employer
Learning & Development
Career Coaching Opportunities to pursue professional development
Location
90 Whitfield Street, United Kingdom
Obituaries Editor, The BMJ employer: BMJ Group
BMJ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London with a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous benefits including a double-matching pension contribution, and a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, BMJ fosters a culture where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating a healthier world through impactful publishing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Obituaries Editor, The BMJ
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Dive into your local journalism scene! Join organisations like the National Union of Journalists or local media groups to meet industry pros and find out about part-time opportunities. These connections can often lead to gigs that aren't even advertised online.
✨Create a Portfolio of Your Work
Start building a portfolio showcasing your writing, reporting, or multimedia content. Write feature articles or opinion pieces and self-publish them on platforms like Medium or a personal blog. This can impress potential employers like BMJ Group when you're applying for roles like Obituaries Editor, The BMJ.
✨Attend Media Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for journalism workshops, conferences, or networking events in your area. These are goldmines for both learning and meeting people who can help you find part-time positions. Plus, you never know who might be looking for their next star writer!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Make sure to apply for the Obituaries Editor, The BMJ role at BMJ Group directly via our website. We love seeing applications come straight from passionate candidates, so put your best foot forward and show us what you've got!
We think you need these skills to ace Obituaries Editor, The BMJ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In journalism, your unique voice matters! When applying for a part-time position, make sure to include samples of your best work. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media snippets, we want to see how you express ideas and engage readers. Don’t shy away from showcasing pieces that reflect your interests!
Tailor Your CV for the Media World:Your CV should mirror the fast-paced nature of journalism. Highlight relevant courses, internships, or freelance gigs that speak to your passion for storytelling. We love to see any awards, recognitions, or even the content of a popular article that’s still piquing interest – quantify your achievements wherever you can!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:For a part-time role in journalism, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your motivation and how this role fits with your career aspirations. Make it personal—tell us why you're excited about joining BMJ Group and how you can contribute to our narrative!
Think Digital: Showcase Your Online Presence:In the age of digital media, having a strong online presence is key. If you have a portfolio website, blog, or active social media accounts where you engage with current events and trends, include those links! This helps us see how you connect with the audience and keep your finger on the pulse of media at large.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMJ Group
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
For a part-time role in journalism-media, it’s vital to have a portfolio of your best writing samples at the ready. We should curate a selection of articles or reports that showcase your style and focus areas—whether it's investigative pieces or lifestyle articles—so you can demonstrate your versatility to BMJ Group.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your ability to handle breaking news or tight deadlines. We want to think about specific examples where you’ve had to think on your feet, work under pressure, or adapt your story angle. These are pretty staples in the journalism field, and demonstrating your thought process can really impress!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Multimedia Tools
In modern journalism, it's not just about the written word anymore. Brush up on your skills with multimedia tools like Adobe Creative Suite or audio editing software, as these often come up in interviews. Knowing how to leverage these tools can show BMJ Group that you’re ready to contribute to a more dynamic storytelling approach.
✨Express Your Passion for the Craft
Since this is a part-time position, we can focus on expressing our enthusiasm for journalism as a career. Be prepared to chat about what drives your interest in particular stories or topics—whether it’s social issues or pop culture. This helps convey your genuine motivation and commitment to making an impact at BMJ Group!
