At a Glance
- Tasks: Write and commission powerful stories that engage diverse audiences.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on impactful health storytelling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make your mark by telling compelling stories that matter to the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in writing, editing, and conducting interviews; journalism degree preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 ÂŁ per year.
Our Features Writer & Assistant Editor helps us deliver best-in-class editorial storytelling. You will be responsible for writing and commissioning powerful stories that tell our organisation’s story to the public, our volunteers, and the health researcher community. To succeed in the role, you will be able to find and deliver compelling editorial assets across various story formats. This includes – but is not limited to – organisational news stories, emotional case studies, expert interviews and deep-dive features. You’ll have an intuitive sense of how to find and tell stories for different audiences, switching naturally between our public and researcher audiences. And you’ll know how to conduct yourself when dealing with potential story subjects, whether arranging an interview with world-renowned researchers or vox‑popping volunteers on the street.
As well as writing stories, you’ll commission freelance writers and photographers, providing detailed briefs and editing copy to house style. You’ll also contribute to editorial ideation across stories, social media, and newsletters. This is an exciting role, with scope for the right person to make it their own.
As our Features Writer & Assistant Editor, you will:
- Lead on the creation of editorial articles that tell our story and further our strategic priorities.
- Work independently to uncover story leads and pitch them to the Head of Content.
- Deliver editorial stories that span a range of styles and formats, including news, features, interviews, case studies, 1st person ghosts, and audio/video scripts.
- Work collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders to identify positive stories and unearth interesting voices.
- Utilise a network of contacts within the health research community to generate story leads.
- Visit clinics to find leads among our volunteer community and conduct interviews.
- Commission and edit freelance writers and photographers.
- Provide editorial angles and assets for PR and social media.
- Perform research on different health topics.
- Ensure articles are accurate, informative, on‑brand, and written with our audiences’ needs in mind.
- Provide production and script‑writing support to our Multimedia Creative and the wider Communications team.
- Serve as a brand guardian, ensuring we speak with one voice across our public‑ and researcher‑facing content.
- Provide content writing and strategic communications support on ad hoc basis.
- Stay up‑to‑date with local, national and international affairs.
Technical Skills:
- Proven experience as a news and features writer, reporter or editor.
- Demonstrable portfolio of published articles, including clear evidence of finding and delivering pieces across an array of story formats.
- Adept at finding compelling stories and pitching them to a head of department or lead editor.
- Experience of organising and conducting interviews with leading experts and of the public.
- Dextrous across a range of reporting and writing styles, including factual news and feature interviews.
- Experience of video work, including script writing, production and off‑camera interviewing.
- Ability to write briefs, commission writers, edit copy, and handle administration associated with freelancers’ work.
- Comfortable thinking across different platforms, from print to website to social media.
- Some understanding of health research or experience writing health‑related features.
- Computer proficiency (MS Office, digital editing, web search and databases).
- Excellent writing skills in English.
- Understanding of journalistic and publishing/media law.
- Broad knowledge of headline best practice.
- Degree in journalism, communications or relevant field.
Personal Attributes:
- A self‑starter who is comfortable working independently and motivated to find and provide best‑in‑class stories.
- Confidence to pitch stories, debate angles, and take feedback on board.
- Ability to follow strict deadlines and fact‑check information.
- The ability to travel to different locations across the UK.
Closing date: 8th February
Salary: from ÂŁ40,000.
Generous Pension Scheme: We invest in your future with employer contributions of up to 12%.
30 Days Holiday pro rata + Bank Holidays: Enjoy a generous holiday allowance with the flexibility to take bank holidays when it suits you.
Enhanced Parental Leave: Supporting you during life’s biggest moments.
Cycle to Work Scheme: Save 25‑39% on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice.
Home & Tech Savings: Get up to 8% off on IKEA and Currys products, spreading the cost over 12 months through salary sacrifice.
ÂŁ1,000 Employee Referral Bonus: Know someone amazing? Get rewarded for bringing them on board!
Wellbeing Support: Access to Mental Health First Aiders, plus 24/7 online GP services and an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.
A Great Place to Work: We have a lovely Central London office in Holborn, and offer flexible and remote working arrangements.
At Our Future Health, we recognise the importance of having a diverse workforce and ensuring that all candidates, regardless of their background, have equitable access to our application process. We proactively encourage applicants who identify as having a disability, neurodiversity, or long‑term health conditions to let us know if they require any reasonable adjustments as part of their application process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, please email us at talent@ourfuturehealth.org.uk.
Features Writer & Assistant Editor employer: Our Future Health
Contact Detail:
Our Future Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Features Writer & Assistant Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the health research community and let them know you're on the lookout for stories. You never know who might have a lead that could turn into your next big piece.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your pitch game on point! When you find a compelling story idea, don’t hesitate to pitch it to the Head of Content. Be clear about why it matters and how it aligns with our strategic priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your versatility! Make sure you can switch between different writing styles and formats. Whether it’s a deep-dive feature or a quick news piece, being adaptable will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Features Writer & Assistant Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Storytelling Skills: When you apply, make sure to highlight your best storytelling pieces. We want to see how you can craft compelling narratives that resonate with different audiences. Include links to your published articles and any standout features you've worked on!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your experience aligns with our needs. Mention specific story formats you’ve worked with and how they relate to what we do at StudySmarter.
Be Authentic: We love genuine voices! In your application, let your personality shine through. Share your passion for storytelling and why you’re excited about the role. This is your chance to connect with us beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Our Future Health
✨Know Your Stories
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's past stories and features. Familiarise yourself with their tone, style, and the types of stories they publish. This will not only help you understand their audience but also allow you to discuss how your writing can align with their editorial vision.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
Bring along a well-curated portfolio showcasing your best work. Include a variety of formats like news articles, features, and interviews. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece and how you approached different audiences, as this will demonstrate your versatility as a writer.
✨Practice Interviewing Techniques
Since the role involves conducting interviews, practice your interviewing skills beforehand. Think about how you would approach both experts and volunteers. Prepare questions that elicit compelling stories and show your ability to connect with different subjects, which is crucial for this position.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you conduct research on health topics. Bring examples of how you've uncovered story leads in the past. This will highlight your initiative and ability to find unique angles, which is essential for delivering impactful editorial content.