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- Tasks: Lead the comment desk, commission diverse opinion pieces, and engage audiences creatively.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher committed to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation, diversity, and impactful storytelling in journalism.
- Qualifications: Experience in comment journalism, strong writing skills, and a robust contacts book are essential.
- Other info: We promote a diverse workforce and support career development for all employees.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
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, making 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.
The role
The Independent is hiring a Voices Editor to lead its award-winning comment desk. The successful candidate will be a team player with an excellent and diverse contacts book, a passion for representing varied opinions on the biggest news stories of the day, and a good knowledge of all aspects of digital journalism – including social media and SEO. We are looking for someone who reads the news compulsively; who has an opinion on everything but also the ability to work fairly and diplomatically with people who might hold opposing views to their own; who prides themselves on snappy headline-writing and excellent copy-editing; who is able to think laterally and commission creatively; and who can engage audiences in innovative ways.
About you
- Experience of working in comment journalism, or for a mainstream publication in a related capacity.
- A stellar contacts book of writers to commission on topical ideas each day.
- Able to commission big names to write on important issues.
- Proven track record in building new audiences and introducing exciting writers to a digital space.
- Strong understanding of social media.
- Resilient and friendly in a busy newsroom with competing demands.
- Confident in writing and on the phone, checking facts with organisations and reaching out to prominent public figures.
- Experience using a CMS.
- Excellent writer with the ability to turn around an opinion piece at short notice.
- Happy to communicate across different desks and mindful of how an opinion story can collaborate with news, video, features and any other sections.
- Good timekeeping with ability to work quickly and accurately.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead our comment team to bring together a diverse list of opinion pieces each day.
- Delivering topical pieces on issues of the day at short notice across a range of subjects.
- Building and maintaining good relationships with regular columnists and guiding ideas for their pieces.
- Planning ahead to make sure our opinion section has first-rate, thought-provoking comment on big news events.
- Attend meetings to represent the desk.
Diversity, Equality 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.
Voices Editor employer: The Independent
Contact Detail:
The Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voices Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the journalism community, especially with those who have experience in comment journalism. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to meet potential contacts and gain insights into the latest trends in opinion writing.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and tone by reading their opinion pieces regularly. This will help you understand what they value in their content and how you can align your ideas with their editorial direction.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to engage audiences by creating a portfolio of your best opinion pieces. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken in your writing or commissioning that could resonate with The Independent's audience.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current events and trending topics, as this will enable you to pitch timely and relevant ideas. Being able to discuss these topics confidently during interviews will demonstrate your passion for news and your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Voices Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Voices Editor position. Familiarise yourself with The Independent's editorial style and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in comment journalism or related fields. Mention specific examples of how you've built audiences, commissioned writers, or engaged with diverse opinions on topical issues.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Include samples of your writing that demonstrate your ability to produce compelling opinion pieces quickly. Highlight any experience with headline-writing and copy-editing, as these are crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Your Network: Mention your contacts book and any notable writers you have worked with. This will show The Independent that you have the connections necessary to commission high-quality content and engage with influential voices.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Showcase Your Passion for Journalism
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for comment journalism and current affairs. Share examples of how you stay updated with the news and your thoughts on recent events, demonstrating your ability to engage with diverse opinions.
✨Highlight Your Contacts Book
Discuss your network of writers and contributors. Be prepared to mention specific individuals you could commission for opinion pieces, showcasing your ability to bring fresh voices to the table.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy
Since the role requires a strong understanding of digital journalism, be ready to talk about your experience with social media and SEO. Provide examples of how you've successfully built audiences or engaged readers online.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
The Independent values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you can work across different desks. Share experiences where you've collaborated with other departments, highlighting your ability to integrate opinion pieces with news and features.
