At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic news team to create engaging, audience-focused content for Racing Post.
- Company: Join Spotlight Sports Group, a global leader in media and technology for racing and sports betting.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and unique perks like birthday leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital journalism in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital newsrooms and a passion for horseracing are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 38500 £ per year.
Spotlight Sports Group is a global media and technology company with a clear purpose, to set the standard for trusted, customer-driven experiences across global racing and sports betting. Guided by our mission to create experiences that fans love, we combine more than 40 years of heritage with bold innovation to deliver award-winning content, data and digital products.
Job Purpose/summary
Acting as deputy to the news editor, this key role within the Content (racing) team will suit someone with a passion for creating a digital-first, audience-led news service for the Racing Post's unrivalled digital, print and social media platforms. The ideal candidate will be bursting with ideas for news and innovative digital formats, will have a sharp eye for bringing exclusives to the boil, and a track record of commissioning agenda-setting news. The deputy news editor will work with the news editor and other commissioning editors; their primary focus will be to assist in running the news-gathering operation and help manage a team of reporters with a view to creating exclusive, industry-leading stories, a daily news service for multiple platforms, and special news projects. The position is based on a nine-day fortnight and is a hybrid role, with the successful candidate working from our Head Office two to three times a week.
Key Responsibilities
- Regularly act as duty news editor, running the reporting team and delivering high-quality stories and content packages
- Assist in developing and fostering a creative environment in which reporters are inspired to produce distinctive, varied and impactful stories
- Help evolve and deliver the digital-first news strategy, including the use of live blogs, explainers, timelines, Q&As, data-led journalism, video and other formats appropriate to the story
- Work closely with audience, social, video and graphics teams to maximise the reach, impact and presentation of news coverage
- Use audience data and editorial judgement to assess performance, identify opportunities and improve future commissioning
- Ensure major breaking stories are covered quickly and followed through with analysis, reaction, explainers and premium depth, in line with the Racing Post's free/premium strategy
- Line manage members of the reporting team and play an active role in raising standards of excellence, embedding new formats and providing feedback
- Represent the news desk at editorial conferences and contribute to wider content team planning and strategy
- Support the planning of news coverage and special projects
Requirements
- Experience of commissioning and editing news in a fast-paced digital newsroom
- Excellent news judgement and the confidence to make rapid editorial decisions under pressure
- A strong understanding of digital publishing, audience behaviour and the formats that drive reach, engagement and subscriptions
- Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and raise standards across a reporting team
- Confidence using audience data and analytics to inform commissioning and coverage decisions
- Excellent time management skills and ability to work to and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication skills at all levels with colleagues, contributors, contacts and stakeholders
- Strong knowledge of media law, editorial compliance and journalistic ethics
- Strong interest in horseracing and at least a working knowledge of the sport and the betting industry
- Experience of managing, coaching or developing journalists is desirable
Benefits
We offer a range of well-being initiatives, including private medical insurance, excellent parental leave, a working globally policy, mental health support, assistance programs, and social gatherings. We also provide a pension scheme and various other benefit schemes. Plus, we all get our birthdays off work and enjoy 25 days of holiday per year. We've also got you covered with life assurance and exclusive perks like the Star card and our Step Further Awards (our employee recognition program) to recognise your dedication. For those working via the hybrid model (in the office and at home) we've made commuting easier with our Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work Scheme. You can also take advantage of complimentary access to our Racing Post Members Club, complete with an Ultimate Membership. We believe in making a positive impact beyond the workplace, and you'll have the chance to volunteer two days per year with our charity partner.
Deputy News Editor, Racing Post employer: Spotlight Sports Group
Spotlight Sports Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees while fostering a vibrant work culture. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the company offers comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous parental leave, and a unique birthday off policy, alongside opportunities for professional development and community engagement through volunteering. Located in a dynamic industry, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values their contributions and encourages a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy News Editor, Racing Post
✨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 Spotlight Sports Group!
✨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 Spotlight Sports Group, 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 Deputy News Editor, Racing Post
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 Spotlight Sports Group:When applying for the Deputy News Editor, Racing Post role at Spotlight Sports Group, 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 Spotlight Sports Group 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 Spotlight Sports Group
✨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 Spotlight Sports Group. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
