Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland

Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland

Full-Time 59400 - 72600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead editorial strategy and support teams across Northern Ireland's media portfolio.
  • Company: Join Iconic Media, a key player in regional journalism with a strong community focus.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape local journalism's future.
  • Other info: Be part of a team committed to modernising local news and engaging communities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on trusted journalism while driving audience growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Senior editorial experience and a passion for regional journalism are essential.

The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.

Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland

Iconic Media is seeking an outstanding editorial leader to take responsibility for its Northern Ireland portfolio, including daily and weekly titles, associated digital properties, newsletters, social channels and emerging audience platforms.

This is a significant senior editorial role within one of the most important regional media portfolios in the UK.

Our Northern Ireland titles have deep roots in the communities they serve, with long-established brands, loyal audiences and a proud record of journalism across news, politics, sport, business, culture and community life.

The successful candidate will lead the editorial direction of the division, ensuring that our journalism remains distinctive, trusted, relevant and commercially sustainable, working across both daily and weekly publishing operations and supporting title editors, journalists and content teams while helping to develop a joined-up approach to print, digital and audience growth.

Iconic Media is committed to Northern Ireland and to the future of local and regional journalism.

We are investing in our titles, our people and our digital capabilities to ensure that our news brands continue to play a central role in public life across the province.

The role requires strong editorial judgement, excellent leadership skills, an understanding of both print and digital publishing, and the ability to manage change in a complex and fast-moving media environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading the editorial strategy for Iconic Media's Northern Ireland division across daily, weekly and digital publishing.
  • Supporting and developing editorial teams across multiple titles and locations.
  • Maintaining the distinct identity, heritage and audience relationship of each title.
  • Driving audience growth across websites, newsletters, social platforms and other digital channels.
  • Working with commercial, product and senior leadership teams to support sustainable publishing models.
  • Ensuring high standards of accuracy, fairness, legal compliance and editorial integrity.
  • Helping to modernise workflows, improve collaboration and support effective use of publishing technology.
  • The Ideal Candidate

Substantial senior editorial experience, a strong understanding of regional journalism, proven leadership ability and a clear view of how established news brands can grow across print and digital platforms.

This is an opportunity to lead a portfolio of exceptional Northern Ireland news brands at an important point in their development, with the backing of a group that believes strongly in the value of local journalism.

This advert will expire on Friday 11th September 2026.

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Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland employer: Southern Daily Echo

Moneyfacts Group plc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and expertise in finance converge. With a competitive salary of up to £70,000 and flexible working options, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about financial journalism.

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Contact Details:

Southern Daily Echo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland

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 Southern Daily Echo!

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 Southern Daily Echo, 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 Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland

Editorial Leadership
Understanding of Regional Journalism
Digital Publishing
Audience Growth Strategies
Collaboration Skills
Change Management
Publishing Technology Proficiency

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 Southern Daily Echo:When applying for the Group Editorial Director - Northern Ireland role at Southern Daily Echo, 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 Southern Daily Echo 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 Southern Daily Echo

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 Southern Daily Echo. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.