Content/News Editor – Reach (Kent)

We are looking for a Content/News Editor to join our newsdesk at KentLive. This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented senior reporter or news editor to step into a pivotal role directing a creative team of reporters.

You will play a key role in our strategy to continue to grow our audience at scale, to deepen our relationship with existing readers and to reach our underserved communities.

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.

This role is home based however there will be monthly meetings at our Kent Office.

The ideal candidate will have good knowledge of the South East region. 

What will the role involve?

You will organise and manage the publishing of fresh, engaging and accurate content for KentLive. You will brief your team of reporters to deliver great content – including words, pictures, video, data and interactives – to ensure we get the highest possible levels of audience engagement. You’ll play a key part in launching live blogs for big stories, and maintain momentum as audiences flock to our sites.

You will ensure the website and social media channels have compelling content in line with our audience data and trends. You will work to grow our loyal audience, focusing on newsletters and other engaging content, ensuring we maximise every opportunity in this area. You will support and guide your team daily, weekly and monthly, from 1:1s and team briefings to career development and promotions. This role will involve weekend (typically 1 in every 3) and evening working so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

You are an experienced NCTJ or equivalent senior qualified journalist with exceptional media law knowledge. You have a strong track record of telling stories accurately, that engage large audiences with a real passion for digital storytelling. You have a sharp news sense, excellent accuracy and attention to detail.

You have the skills to be a supportive people manager, and the ability to guide and encourage your team to get the best out of them. You are social media savvy with an excellent understanding of SEO, search, social and digital audience behaviour. You can create and edit accurate copy at pace, meeting deadlines with ease.

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.