Main purpose of the post
Oversee and manage the writing and editing of copy, as well as the layout of print and digital publications, to remain competitive in collaboration with the relevant departments to create a product that is focused and market related and in tune with the community.
Main Duties:
(The primary duties, functions and outputs of the position)
Conceptualize and implement the editorial vision;
Determine the quality, style and tone of the printed newspaper and website;
Develop and implement editorial policy;
Lead, motivate, mentor and inspire the team around the editorial vision;
Ensure readership targets are achieved (regardless of external market factors) by leading all aspects of editorial planning; collaborate with other departments to ensure dynamic and strategic knowledge of the readers and the market;
Understand readers by continuously evaluating feedback and comments, while tracking, evaluating and applying global trends;
Identify, evaluate and edit news in accordance with the target market and type of publication;
Make sure the publication is in accordance with legislation and the Press Code of South Africa and that no defamatory content, letters, etc., are published;
Coordinate daily news meetings with the team so that deadlines are met and community news is fed to the main newspapers and online platform;
Train journalists in the style of the publication;
Make sure copy is delivered within the deadlines and meets the standards; rejects copy that is not up to par or meets the brief;
Oversee and communicate the production process to ensure all deadlines are met;
Communicate with management, the advertising and marketing department to ensure the best product possible is published weekly;
Promote commercial opportunities in collaboration with the advertising department;
Work with the marketing team on reader and industry events to create loyalty for your product and on innovative ways to connect with readers;
Represent the publication in a credible, professional and ethical manner, and
Manage and control editorial budget and costs.
Skills and competencies
(The abilities that the individual must have to be able to do the job effectively)
Must be able to work under pressure
Result oriented
Creativity
Innovative
Excellent writing skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
An excellent eye for detail
Problem solving skills
Planning and organizational skills
A business sentence
Impact and influence
Sound judgment
Qualification
An appropriate tertiary qualification in journalism or media studies.
Experience
Five years of work experience in an editorial environment.
Two years in a senior position.
Knowledge
A thorough knowledge of newspaper production and the news environment;
Well-developed writing and sub-skills in the specific languages;
Computer literate in the relevant programs and applications;
A thorough understanding of the publication's target market;
Expertise in media law.
Good and established contacts and network in the community and region.
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