At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new live team, mentor reporters, and drive digital performance.
- Company: Join The Northern Echo and shape the future of digital journalism.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, career progression, and awesome perks like gym membership.
- Other info: Dynamic newsroom environment with exciting challenges every day.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in journalism while embracing cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital journalism, leadership skills, and SEO expertise.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Shape the future of digital journalism in the North East. We're launching a brand-new live team at The Northern Echo – and we need an experienced digital journalist to lead it. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in driving digital performance across the North East, building a team from the ground up and delivering real results. You'll be based in our Darlington newsroom, working to a rota that includes weekend working and shift patterns.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and launch our new North East live team, mentoring reporters and driving page view growth.
- Edit and optimise content for search and social audiences, using data and audience insights to inform every decision.
- Champion AI tools in the newsroom, embracing technology to supercharge our digital reach.
- Ensure all content meets IPSO and legal standards while maintaining fairness and balance.
- Collaborate across the business and with counterparts UK-wide to share best practice and deliver innovation.
- Stay agile in a fast‑paced, news‑driven environment where priorities shift daily.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Proven track record of growing digital audiences and delivering page view results.
- Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring, coaching and motivating teams.
- Expert knowledge of SEO, analytics and digital platforms, including social media, newsletters, video and audio.
- Excellent writing and editing skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Deep understanding of media law and the Editors’ Code of Conduct.
- AI literacy and enthusiasm for new technology in journalism.
- NCTJ diploma or equivalent.
- Creativity, resilience and ambition to drive performance.
Why this matters
This is a significant stepping stone in Newsquest's editorial leadership structure – a hugely exciting opportunity for the right person to make their mark. No two days are the same, and you'll thrive on the challenge of delivering quality journalism that connects with our community.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off.
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility.
- Structured career progression & ongoing training.
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice.
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care, Retail discounts.
Live Team Editor employer: Southern Daily Echo
At The Northern Echo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and growth in the field of digital journalism. Based in Darlington, our vibrant newsroom fosters a collaborative work culture where creativity thrives, and employees are supported through structured career progression, ongoing training, and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances and wellness perks. Join us to lead a dynamic team, embrace cutting-edge technology, and make a meaningful impact on the North East's digital landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Live Team Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend journalism events, and engage with fellow digital journalists on social media. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, especially pieces that demonstrate your ability to grow digital audiences. When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight these achievements in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on the latest in digital journalism, SEO, and AI tools. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only impress during interviews but also show that you're ready to lead our new live team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared for anything! In a fast-paced environment like ours, adaptability is key. Practice answering questions about how you’d handle shifting priorities and demonstrate your resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
We think you need these skills to ace Live Team Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Live Team Editor role. Highlight your experience in digital journalism and leadership, and show us how you can drive page view growth in the North East.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples of how you've successfully grown digital audiences or mentored teams in the past. We want to see your expertise in action!
Embrace AI and Tech:Since we’re keen on championing AI tools in the newsroom, share any relevant experiences you have with technology in journalism. Let us know how you’ve used data and audience insights to inform your decisions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Daily Echo
✨Know Your Digital Journalism Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in digital journalism, especially in the North East. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully grown digital audiences in the past and share specific examples of your achievements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in mentoring and leading teams. Think of a few stories where you motivated your team or turned around a challenging situation. This role is all about building a new team, so they’ll want to see your leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Your SEO Savvy
Since the job requires expert knowledge of SEO and analytics, come armed with insights on how you've used data to optimise content. Be ready to discuss specific tools and strategies you've employed to drive page views and engagement.
✨Embrace Technology and AI
With a focus on championing AI tools in the newsroom, show your enthusiasm for new technology. Share any experiences you have with AI in journalism and how it has enhanced your work or the work of your team.