At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and write engaging news stories about planning and urbanism.
- Company: Join The Planner, a leading magazine for town planners and urbanists.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, friendly environment, and opportunities to build your portfolio.
- Other info: Opportunity to attend events across the UK and grow your professional network.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a politically charged sector while developing your writing skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in news writing; NCTJ qualifications preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Maternity cover for 12 months (part-time or contractor arrangements considered). The Planner, the leading magazine and website for town planners, placemakers, and urbanists, is seeking an experienced news writer/editor to cover maternity leave for a 12‑month period. This role is flexible for the right candidate and part‑time or contractor arrangements would be considered.
If you’re a solid news writer with strong newsgathering skills and proven experience of writing about planning, politics, or the built environment, we’d like to hear from you. We prefer NCTJ qualifications but it’s not a sticking point if your portfolio is strong. Good proofreading skills are highly useful and it’ll also be handy if you’re accustomed to uploading content to a website CMS. Some knowledge of InDesign would be helpful.
Key Responsibilities- Source and write daily news stories
- Oversee production of one or two weekly newsletters
- Compile news section of the bimonthly magazine
- Upload stories to the website using the style guide
- Plan and commission or write bimonthly long‑form news analysis for the magazine
- Prepare LinkedIn posts highlighting fresh stories
- Attend and report on events as required, including in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
We offer a mix of office (we are based in Clerkenwell, London) and home working, and you’ll be required to go to occasional events. You can expect a friendly, collegiate working environment, as well as the opportunity to build your contacts, knowledge, and portfolio in one of the UK’s most politically charged and influential professional sectors.
News writer/editor employer: Redactive
The Planner offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for news writers/editors, with the flexibility of part-time or contractor arrangements to suit your lifestyle. Located in Clerkenwell, London, you will have the chance to engage with influential professionals in the planning and urbanism sectors, enhancing your portfolio while enjoying a friendly, collegiate atmosphere that fosters growth and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land News writer/editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning and journalism sectors. Attend events, engage on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best news writing and editing work. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your experience in planning, politics, or the built environment. A strong portfolio can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated with industry trends! Follow relevant news sources and engage with current topics in urban planning and politics. This will not only help you in interviews but also show potential employers that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with the job description, and don’t forget to mention any experience with CMS or InDesign. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace News writer/editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Make sure your application showcases your best writing samples. We want to see how you can craft engaging news stories, so include pieces that highlight your newsgathering skills and knowledge of planning or politics.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect your experience in the built environment and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for, so make it personal!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Good proofreading skills are essential for this role. Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or grammatical errors. We appreciate attention to detail, and it’ll show us you care about quality.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redactive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest news in planning, politics, and the built environment. Familiarise yourself with recent developments and key issues in these areas, as this will show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring along a strong portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. If you have experience with news stories or long-form analysis, make sure to include those. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills and style, so choose pieces that reflect your expertise.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Tools
Since the role involves using a CMS and possibly InDesign, be prepared to talk about your experience with these tools. If you’ve uploaded content before, share specific examples of how you’ve done it and any challenges you overcame.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about their work and the magazine's direction. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
