i, Policy Editor

Reports to: News Editor

Purpose of job:

Scoops. i’s front page combines the thoughtfulness and nuance of a quality title with the projection of a tabloid.

Our most reliable driver of circulation is a must-read story and the successful candidate for this job will be expected to deliver scoop after scoop. i is unique among national papers in its neutral political outlook, which bestows advantages as well as challenges.

The Policy Editor will deliver stories from across Westminster and Whitehall with a remit to explore beyond, and with a particular focus on the way in which post-Brexit Britain unfolds.

They will also provide insightful commentary and analysis and contribute features, investigations and campaigns. Experience of appearing on radio and television would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of Whitehall procedure, precedent and history. They will understand i’s political stance and its large readership outside London, focusing on the ‘real world’ impact of policy.

About i

i is Britain’s brightest and newest national newspaper. It was bought from ESI Media in 2016 and has evolved into a highly successful standalone title, bolstered last year by the relaunch of the iweekend edition. We are currently on a recruitment drive so we can produce even more of our own original content.

The inews.co.uk website has embarked on a period of steep growth. Last year its audience grew by 457%. The i’s editorial staff has grown every year since its launch to match the audience and financial success of the brand across all platforms.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Find and write political stories including exclusives that can be used as splashes in print and online.
2. Plan, prepare and execute features and investigations.
3. Plan, prepare and execute campaigns.
4. Write quickly and accurately to a high standard.
5. Represent i in an expert capacity on TV, radio and other media
6. Build and nurture strong relationships and sources within Whitehall and Parliament.
7. Use audience data to help identify and inform story selection and investigations.
8. Show initiative and produce a consistently high standard of work without supervision.
9. Represent the title through public and media engagements.
10. Be able to react quickly to moving events, especially for digital.

Qualifications and Experience

• The Policy Editor will have a proven track record in national news journalism, in print or online.
• They will have been a lobby reporter or otherwise reported on national politics and government for at least two years.
• Track record of developing stories to create impactful journalism.
• Track record of exclusive stories followed up significantly by rival organisations.
• Command of libel law, understanding of and compliance with Editors’ Code of Practice and IPSO regulations.
• NCTJ (or similar) standard qualification.
• Understanding of all digital platforms, including social media.
• Must be able to write quickly, accurately and with flair.

Critical Skills and Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of the UK political landscape.
• Ability to explain complex ideas simply, in an engaging style.
• Work quickly, creatively and accurately under pressure to tight deadlines
• High standards of written English.
• Understanding of what makes news stories of interest to i readers.
• Good IT skills and ability to learn.
• Digital publishing skills.
• Social media skills.

To apply:

Please complete the application form below to send your CV and a letter outlining three improvements you would make to i’s politics coverage and three relevant examples of your work.​

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 10 March