Deputy Royal Editor - Express Online

Location: Home & Hub - London

We are looking to hire a Deputy Royal Editor to join us at Express Online. We are keen to speak with experienced editors and reporters looking to take the next step in their career. Applicants must be able to thrive in a fast-paced newsroom environment, enjoy the thrill of breaking news and covering the Royal Family. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team and drive extensive editorial content and digital presence.

As the Deputy Royal Editor, you will work closely with the Royal Editor and News Desk to generate engaging content relating to the British Royal Family quickly and accurately, come up with creative ways to beat targets and help grow traffic in the section.

We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

The successful candidate will have an in-depth knowledge of the Royal Family and be able to spot a good story before rival news publications. 

We are happy to consider applications on a flexible working basis, and will always aim to accommodate requests where possible.

This role is home and hub based linked to our London Hub with an expectation of at least three days in the office each week. We are therefore open to candidates based in and around London. 

Job Description

What will the role involve?

You will help manage the existing royal team, subbing copy to a high standard and ensuring that every article is optimised to maximise visibility on the website, social media and on Google. You will also be pitching stories that will be of interest to royal enthusiasts and help deliver a fast turnaround on major news stories across the UK and around the world. All while ensuring that every piece of content is researched and published in accordance with the Editor’s Code of practice. You will be confident using a range of digital formats and quickly identify breaking news by utilising social media.

You will also be responsible for deputising for the Royal Editor when she is unavailable. This may involve devising a daily list for both print and digital and filing relevant copy to print. As a result it is imperative to be abreast of the royal calendar and be confident at taking ownership of the section.

Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

An experienced journalist with your NCTJ or equivalent qualification and media law knowledge, you have a strong track record of delivering a wide range of engaging royal news stories at a national or major regional title while understanding what works for a digital audience and deliver content to prove this. Experience at a national newspaper is desirable. 

You have first rate editing, writing and subbing skills, relish the test of working under pressure and to tight deadlines. You’re social media savvy with current SEO knowledge and ideally you're familiar with newsroom analytics and content management systems. You’re flexible, inquisitive and are on the pulse of what makes a great story!

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement - join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day - an additional day’s leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and you’ll be eligible after just six months’ employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan - free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• As one of the UK’s top 50 Inclusive Employers everyone’s invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest
• Awesome career opportunities - you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We are also a member of the 30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.