At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead opinion journalism, commission content, and engage audiences across platforms.
- Company: A trusted UK daily newspaper known for concise, impartial journalism.
- Benefits: Generous package, creative freedom, and a supportive newsroom environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to experiment with new formats like Audio and Video.
- Why this job: Shape national conversations and drive subscriber growth with innovative ideas.
- Qualifications: Senior editing experience in opinion journalism and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead opinion journalism that shapes national conversations and drives subscriber growth. With unrivalled resources, an inspirational editor and a financially stable newsroom, you’ll have everything you need to pioneer new approaches to opinion journalism and take the paper’s multiplatform strategy to the next level.
You’ll take ownership of the Opinion & Insight output, shaping it with your ideas and expertise. You’ll commission and curate insightful, thought-provoking content that sparks conversation, deepens audience engagement and drives subscriber growth across all platforms.
You’ll recruit, commission and retain a roster of high-profile, high-impact contributors who will play a key role in finding and growing new audiences. And you’ll liaise with editors across the newsroom to develop in-house talent, fostering strong relationships with existing staff writers and content creators.
You’ll lead the Opinion team with creativity and intellectual rigour, ensuring a pipeline of high-quality content that is highly read and highly engaged. And you’ll work with colleagues in audience, product and marketing to maximise the impact of Opinion and Insight content.
What you’ll need:
- Senior editing experience with a demonstrable track record in opinion, commentary or features journalism
- Creativity, vision, and a commitment to thoughtful and occasionally mischievous commissioning—underpinned by discipline, dedication and craft
- Strong editorial judgment with a sharp eye for timely, intelligent arguments and analysis
- Experience building or growing editorial verticals or sections, including an understanding of Search, Video and growing audiences off-platform
- Flexibility and desire to experiment with new Opinion formats including Audio and Video
- Strong people management skills, with the desire to develop and coach a talented team
About the company:
A UK-based national daily newspaper known for its concise, impartial journalism and clean, compact format. Launched to serve time-pressed readers, it offers a digestible alternative to traditional broadsheets, combining serious news coverage with accessible analysis. It has a strong reputation for political neutrality and consistently ranks among the country’s most trusted news brands.
Head of Opinion and Insights, Newspaper employer: MEDIA CONTACTS
Media Contacts in London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As the European Credit Research Lead, you will have the opportunity to mentor a talented team while engaging with industry leaders at international events, ensuring your insights reach a wide audience. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Media Contacts provides a supportive environment where your expertise in high yield and distressed bonds can truly thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Opinion and Insights, Newspaper
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the journalism field, especially those who have experience in opinion and commentary. Attend industry events, webinars, or panel discussions to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends in opinion journalism and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas during interviews. Familiarise yourself with the newspaper's existing content and think about how you could enhance their multiplatform strategy with fresh approaches.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by showcasing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to developing talent and fostering creativity within a team setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate your vision for the future of opinion journalism, including how you would engage audiences across various platforms. Think about specific formats like audio and video that you could experiment with to attract new subscribers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Opinion and Insights, Newspaper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your senior editing experience and showcases your track record in opinion, commentary, or features journalism. Use specific examples that demonstrate your creativity and vision in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for opinion journalism and outline how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention your experience in building editorial verticals and your approach to developing high-quality content.
Showcase Your Ideas:Include a section in your application where you present innovative ideas for opinion formats, such as Audio and Video. This will demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to experiment, which is crucial for this role.
Highlight People Management Skills:Emphasise your people management skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've developed and coached teams in the past, as this is a key aspect of the Head of Opinion and Insights role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MEDIA CONTACTS
✨Showcase Your Editorial Vision
Be prepared to discuss your unique vision for opinion journalism. Highlight any innovative ideas you have for engaging audiences and driving subscriber growth, as this role requires creativity and a forward-thinking approach.
✨Demonstrate People Management Skills
Since the position involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed talent in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering relationships with contributors and staff writers.
✨Highlight Your Track Record
Bring evidence of your senior editing experience and successful projects in opinion or commentary journalism. Be ready to discuss specific pieces that showcase your editorial judgment and ability to spark conversation.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Experimentation
The role calls for a willingness to experiment with new formats. Talk about any previous experiences where you've successfully adapted to new media trends, such as audio or video, and how you plan to incorporate these into your strategy.
