Commissioning Editor

Your role: The Sunday Times is looking for an experienced and imaginative Commissioning Editor for our News Review section, on a one year fixed term contract. The successful applicant will commission and write distinctive news features across a wide spectrum of subjects. You will work closely with the News Review editor and deputy editor to edit copy and commission staff and freelance writers to deliver exclusive content for our digital and print editions. You will have precise commissioning and copy-editing skills, an extensive contacts book and demonstrable expertise in current affairs, culture, people, society and technology. Applicants must be bursting with original ideas for topical features; be a witty, stylish and accurate copy editor and writer; and understand how best to present our stories to our digital audiences. Apply with your CV and a covering letter by September 16. Day to day you will:

• Successfully manage productive relationships with the News Review editor and deputy editor and with writers and reporters across the newsroom
• Conceive and deliver distinctive and engaging content that appeals to Sunday Times readers
• Work with reporters, writers and audience experts across the newsroom to commission exclusive News Review pieces
• Commission new and innovative ways to present News Review content digitally, working closely with the graphics, data and design teams to ensure that every story has a strong visual element for presentation on digital platforms.
• Work with production colleagues in design, pictures and sub-editing to help produce News Review content as efficiently as possible, meeting deadlines
• Build and maintain a strong contacts book which includes a wide range of specialist freelance writers
• Forward-plan, working with writers and production journalists on long-range projects
• Use SEO and audience data to help guide commissioning
• Use social networking and other digital platforms for content generation and to promote News Review content, To do this, we believe our employees must represent different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We strive to maximise and encourage every individual's potential and ensure everyone feels valued. We support this through our Diversity Strategy, which focuses on three main priorities - attracting talent from a wider, more representative pool, developing equity programmes to drive better representation in our leadership, and ensuring diversity in our workforce as well as the journalism and content we produce. We also currently have 13 employee led networks and groups that support our strategy and connect like minded employees socially.
  
  Experience commissioning a wide variety of news stories for a national magazine, newspaper or major digital news outlet
• Demonstrable expertise in current affairs, culture, people, society and technology
• An understanding of how audience data supports commissioning and how to promote a story on social media and through search engines
• An ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and with rigorous accuracy
• Ability to communicate succinctly and effectively
• Experience working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams
• Persuasive presentation skills, well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem-solve
• A strong understanding of editorial compliance and regulatory issues
  
  Some of our benefits include:
• Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
• Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access
• Private medical insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
• 'Bikes for Work' and 'Electric Car' scheme
• Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times. Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
• Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
• A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, as well as an extra anniversary day off
• Up to 3 paid volunteering days per year to support causes you care about