At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our travel desk to edit and commission exciting travel content.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher with a commitment to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment, opportunities for growth, and a chance to shape travel narratives.
- Other info: This is a 9-month maternity cover role, perfect for those eager to make their mark in travel journalism.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, create impactful content, and engage with a global audience.
- Qualifications: Experience in editing or writing for digital platforms, strong SEO knowledge, and a keen editorial eye.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change. It was the first British newspaper to add a Saturday magazine; the first to give photography the same prestige as a news copy; the first to challenge the Westminster lobby system of closed briefings; the first broadsheet to move to the more compact ‘tabloid’ format; the first to launch a concise quality compact paper; and the first – and only – major newspaper to pull off a successful transformation to fully digital publishing.
Through The Independent, Independent TV, eCommerce, indy100, subscriptions and other ‘reader revenues’, The Independent plans to continue the work of many decades, bringing much-needed independent journalism to over 100 million unique global visitors a month, make its voice ever louder and more insistent the world over.
We have an international editorial team with our main offices in London and New York.
In 2024 The Independent’s portfolio of brands increased through a new licensing partnership with BuzzFeed Inc. to operate the BuzzFeed brands in the UK - BuzzFeed UK, Tasty, Seasoned and HuffPost UK. The additional brands echo the existing business ethos and allow for increased audiences and a further strategic diversification of revenue streams.
The Role
The Independent is looking for an assistant travel editor to join its desk of travel experts. The successful candidate will work across the entire section, covering everything from travel news and in-depth features to evergreen-style roundups and video/audio content, with a strong focus on features and hotels. You must be familiar with using a CMS and have a strong digital news sense, with knowledge of best practice when it comes to SEO and writing for an online audience. You should be able to work in a fast-paced environment, able to give clear briefs and constructive edits when working with writers. A forensic eye for errors and an ability to polish an average article into something worthy of a national news publisher is important. Energy and enthusiasm are key in this fast-paced role; we’re looking for someone who’s excited to step up to the challenge and become an integral part of this small but successful team. This is a 9 month maternity cover fixed-term contract.
About you
Key responsibilities
- Commissioning and editing travel features to a high standard
- Taking charge of commissions and projects from conception to publication
- Pitching strong ideas at editorial meetings
- Sourcing and editing traffic-driving pieces – such as news, features, and guides – under tight deadlines
- Writing content for a weekly newsletter and writing tasks
- Picture sourcing when required
- Monitoring and analysing website traffic with an eye to grow pageviews and unique users
- Featuring in The Independent’s travel video and audio series
- Assisting with the deputy travel editor’s roles when needed
Skills
- Experience as an assistant editor, commissioning editor or senior travel writer on a newspaper, magazine or similar
- Strong editorial eye to craft clickable headlines
- Ability to manage large-scale projects
- Proficient using a CMS
- Excellent writing skills and demonstrable experience of editing copy to a high standard
- Organised and unflappable
- First-rate knowledge of SEO and writing for a digital audience
- A knowledge and understanding of The Independent brand, and how the travel desk fits into the title’s vision
- Deep knowledge of the key travel trends that shape UK tourism today, and key contacts within the industry
- Previous work in a newsroom preferable
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
- We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here.
The Independent is an equal opportunities employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.
Our values – you will deliver across all our values
Inclusive: We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. Working as a team, we put transparency and effective communication at the heart of everything we do.
Innovative: From the very beginning, The Independent has been breaking the mould. We take risks and are always looking to try new ideas in pursuit of excellence.
Independent: Nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own minds and aren’t afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.
Seniority level
- Not Applicable
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Writing/Editing
- Industries: Online Audio and Video Media and Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Travel Editor (9-month FTC) employer: The Independent
Independent Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. As a Social Media Manager, you will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse audience across multiple platforms while contributing to meaningful journalism and content creation. With a commitment to employee growth and development, Independent Media offers a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and the exploration of new ideas, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Travel Editor (9-month FTC)
✨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 The Independent!
✨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 The Independent, 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 Assistant Travel Editor (9-month FTC)
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 The Independent:When applying for the Assistant Travel Editor (9-month FTC) role at The Independent, 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 The Independent 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 The Independent
✨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 The Independent. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
