At a Glance
- Tasks: Write and publish daily news stories on contemporary art, while managing submissions and collaborating with the team.
- Company: Ocula, a leading online platform for contemporary art with a global focus.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment and exposure to the contemporary art market.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth within a small, ambitious team.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team shaping the future of art media in a dynamic digital landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital journalism, excellent writing skills, and a keen interest in visual art.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Ocula Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Ocula is a leading online contemporary art platform that connects collectors, galleries and institutions. Through its flagship publication, Ocula magazine, we publish in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world. With a global focus, a strong Asia Pacific presence and an expanding international readership, Ocula magazine is a respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Now based in London following over a decade in Hong Kong and New Zealand, Ocula magazine is relaunching with a new editorial team. We are a destination for intelligent, original storytelling and genuine commentary on the art world, offering human angles on stories that surprise readers and get them talking. As a digital-first publication, we bring fast-paced creativity to the art media landscape. We offer a comprehensive insight into the forces shaping the business and politics of art, from inside and out.
The Role
The News Editor is sought as Ocula relaunches under a new Editor-in-Chief. The successful candidate will have experience as an editor or staff writer on a magazine or newspaper, especially in a digital-first environment. They will be a skilled, seasoned writer who remains calm under pressure, with the ability to turn around clean copy to tight deadlines. They will have a clear interest in visual art and culture, and some knowledge of the contemporary art world and market.
The News Editor will be responsible for the production of all daily news stories published on the Ocula magazine website. They will have an eye for offbeat local news alongside international headlines, with a global outlook and detail-oriented approach. Alongside their focus on news, they will contribute creatively to editorial series and other content pillars, including commissioning, editing and writing. They will also have the opportunity to work on more deeply researched stories and investigative reporting.
With sound editorial judgement, they will have the ability to take an analytical approach to complex news stories as they are developing, while also being confident to cover product releases and exhibition announcements with a lightness of touch and even (at times) a sense of humour. This is a mid-level editorial role for a versatile individual who thrives upon the fast pace of the digital media sphere, with opportunity for development within a small and ambitious team.
Key Responsibilities
- Write, upload and publish daily news stories on a fast turnaround, in addition to assigning news stories to other writers and team members on occasion
- Source news stories related to visual art and culture from around the world, using a variety of news agencies, local reporting outlets and other platforms, as well as firsthand reporting
- Act as the point of contact for all news-related submissions received by Ocula from galleries, artists, PRs and other sources
- Work closely with the Social Media Editor to optimise the reach of Ocula’s News vertical
- Contribute to Ocula’s newsletter to ensure news coverage is communicated to subscribers
- Commission and edit a range of editorial features, interviews and columns from external contributors, working closely with the senior editorial team to shape pitches and angles
- Write and contribute to regular long and short-form articles, including exhibition previews, opinion pieces and artist profiles
- Stay attuned to major developments, voices and movements in the art world across regions, especially in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America
- Introduce new ideas for content formats and push the boundaries beyond what the art world is currently contributing to digital media
Skills Required
- Experience in a digital-first journalism environment
- Confidence working to deadline, particularly in the production of short-form articles
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to keep text succinct and to-the-point
- Understanding of image rights and licensing
- Knowledge of the international contemporary art world and market
- Ability to work collaboratively and with agility in a fast-paced environment
- Interest in how visual culture connects to economics, politics and the world we live in
- Capacity to balance critical integrity with the strategic goals of a commercial platform
- A global mindset, with sensitivity to diverse cultures, audiences and contexts
How we work
- Unparalleled exposure to the contemporary art market
- Flexible working environment
- Opportunity to work with a fun, passionate and collaborative team helping to shape the future of an exciting and creative industry
How to apply
To apply for this role, please send your CV and a cover letter to careers@ocula.com by the end of the day, Monday 20th October 2025.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
- Artists and Writers
News Editor employer: Ocula
Ocula is an exceptional employer for those passionate about contemporary art and digital media, offering a dynamic and flexible working environment in the heart of London. As part of a small, ambitious team, employees benefit from unparalleled exposure to the art market, opportunities for creative collaboration, and the chance to shape the future of art journalism. With a focus on employee growth and a culture that values innovative storytelling, Ocula is committed to fostering a rewarding and meaningful career for its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land News 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 Ocula!
✨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 Ocula, 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 News 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 Ocula:When applying for the News Editor role at Ocula, 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 Ocula 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 Ocula
✨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 Ocula. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
