At a Glance
- Tasks: Edit and generate compelling stories about the Middle East for a global audience.
- Company: Join The New York Times, a leader in independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, professional development, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping impactful journalism in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong editing skills and a collaborative spirit are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.
The International desk is looking for an experienced and versatile editor to join our Middle East team. This is a chance to join a collegial, committed and talented group of editors and reporters who have a history of award-winning work, an eagerness to experiment with new and developing story forms, and a passion for bringing New York Times journalism to a global audience. This editor will be part of a team of editors, led by the Middle East deputy, helping to oversee and direct coverage from the London newsroom. Together, they will ensure the desk is championing news and enterprise across multiple story forms and New York Times’ platforms. This team does it all, including live, news, enterprise and investigations.
We are looking for an editor who is unfazed by challenging news stories and can operate calmly in what can be a dynamic and fast-moving news environment. Collaboration is a fundamental part of the role, so they will work closely with other editors and reporters in International as well as other parts of the newsroom such as Washington, National, Culture and Business. They will also be integral to creating and developing a cohesive culture that emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion. Our leadership team is committed to developing talented and up-and-coming editors, and we are looking for someone with a rich toolkit of skills.
The successful candidate should be a self-starter, who can navigate challenging situations and juggle multiple coverage priorities in a news environment that, at times, can be frenetic. They should be able to shape coverage – working with reporters to conceptualize stories, guide revisions, and ensure the work gets the widest possible audience. This is a hybrid position based in London and includes regular attendance in the office each week per your departmental guidance. The role will report to the Deputy Editor, Middle East.
Responsibilities:
- Generating ideas and editing stories that demonstrate solid news judgment – from the immediacy of live coverage and spot news stories to longer-term news features and ambitious enterprise.
- Supervising and working with reporters to shape stories and bring them to life.
- Coordinating and communicating coverage during breaking and planned news events, including ensuring that security guidance is sought and followed.
- Thinking creatively about new ways to tell stories and being willing to learn how to execute those storytelling techniques.
- Coaching and developing reporters.
- Maintaining the ethical standards of The Times, including our commitment to independence, fairness and accuracy.
- Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
Qualifications:
- Proven ability to write and edit news and enterprise.
- Ability to deal with management, staff and sources in a highly professional manner and ability to collaborate and influence across desks.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize with careful attention to accuracy.
- Experience collaborating with other departments to set and carry out publication plans for all platforms.
- Ability to work effectively across desks and at the necessary pace to meet deadlines (sometimes conflicting) for multiple platforms.
- A willingness to be flexible as the newsroom’s needs evolve.
- Professional judgment with respect to confidentiality.
- A strong collegial and collaborative attitude; effective written and verbal communication.
- Experience reporting from or editing stories from the region is preferred but not required.
The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.
Middle East Editor employer: New York Times
The New York Times is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that prioritises journalistic integrity and the safety of its staff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration with seasoned journalists in high-stakes situations, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to impactful storytelling. The culture fosters independence and innovation, making it an ideal place for those passionate about journalism and global affairs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Middle East Editor
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at New York Times!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like New York Times, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Middle East Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for New York Times:When applying for the Middle East Editor role at New York Times, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what New York Times produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at New York Times
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within New York Times. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.