Overview
As a Social Journalist, you will source, write and publish engaging stories for UNILAD across its website and social channels. You’ll chase breaking news with speed while developing original angles, exclusive lines and social-first formats. You own the publishing journey from research to optimized headlines and visuals, using data to sharpen performance. You join a fast-paced, cross-functional team to shape stories that travel across platforms and drive audience engagement.
Responsibilities
- Source, pitch, write and publish stories for UNILAD website and social platforms
- Monitor breaking news and trends to identify viral moments
- Cover live/breaking news quickly and accurately
- Develop original journalism including interviews, explainers and features
- Own stories from research to publishing, social packaging and optimisation
- Create compelling headlines, captions, thumbnails and visual treatments
- Publish across Facebook, Instagram, X and other platforms; produce social-first content
- Contribute to daily publishing plans guided by live news agenda and performance data
- Support coverage of major cultural events and awards shows
- Develop repeatable formats (e.g., rankings, debates, explainers)
- Use audience data to inform future coverage and identify follow-ups
- Optimise content for social referral, search and Google Discover
- Collaborate with editors, journalists, social teams and video teams to ensure cross-platform travel
- Maintain UNILAD tone, accuracy and sourcing standards
- Participate in team meetings and forward planning around major events
Key requirements
- Experience as a journalist, social journalist, audience journalist or content creator in a digital publisher or fast-paced media setting
- Passion for UK and US news, pop culture and viral trends
- Strong instinct for stories, personalities and cultural moments
- Proven ability to source and pitch strong ideas including exclusive angles
- Excellent writing, research and fact-checking with high standard of written English
- Ability to write quickly and accurately across breaking news, trends, features and social formats
- Strong understanding of Facebook, Instagram and X; awareness of TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, WhatsApp and emerging platforms
- Strong headline, caption and visual packaging skills
- Understanding of SEO, Google Trends and search audience behaviour, or ability to develop quickly
- Familiarity with analytics tools (Google Analytics, NewsWhip, Chartbeat, Trends)
- Sound editorial judgement on accuracy, copyright and media law
- Calm, organised, decisive under live/breaking news
- Proactive, creative, collaborative approach
- Flexibility to work a seven-day rota including evenings and weekends
- Experience in a digital publisher, newsroom or fast-paced media environment
- Proactive mindset
- Collaborative teamwork
- Calm under pressure
- SEO
- Google Trends
- Analytics (Google Analytics, NewsWhip, Chartbeat, Trends)
Social Journalist - UNILAD in Manchester employer: LADbible
At LADbible Group, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that champions creativity and inclusivity. Our vibrant work culture encourages collaboration and the exploration of new ideas, making it an ideal environment for a Content Creator passionate about engaging with a global audience. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, along with a commitment to diversity, joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking company that values your unique voice and perspective.
