Local Democracy Content Editor – MyLondon – Reach (London)

MyLondon is the authentic voice of the capital – covering the news that matters most to Londoners. We are seeking a talented content editor to manage and support our team of local democracy reporters and specialist reporters.

This is a fantastic opportunity to spearhead politics coverage across the city, helping our reporters to cover the work of the local authorities, TfL, NHS trusts and other public bodies in a way that’s lively, engaging and relevant.

Whether it’s shining the spotlight on London’s housing crisis, demystifying the work of local councils, or helping reporters to get a difficult investigation over the line – we are looking for people who can inspire and motivate a team.

So, who are we?

We are Reach Plc, you might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more), our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people. We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human.

Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

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 Canary Wharf Hub in London. We are therefore open to candidates based in and around London. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the hub at least 2 days per week.

What will the role involve?

You will play a key role in the development of the BBC’s Local News Partnership, working with media brands across the capital to ensure your team’s stories reach the widest possible audience. You will manage the lists and content for our team of local democracy reporters, identifying key stories and political themes, ensuring these are told in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.

You will edit and publish stories to a high standard, making sure all content is in line with best headline and SEO practice. You will provide supportive mentorship, training and development to your team of reporters, fostering a high performance culture based on trust and clear goal setting. You will ensure we provide an effective and robust service which meets our partner requirements, BBC editorial expectations and impartiality standards.

Who are we looking for?

You are an experienced NCTJ qualified (or equivalent senior qualified) journalist with exceptional knowledge of media law and IPSO editors’ code. You may be a content editor with a passion for public affairs or an experienced senior reporter with an outstanding understanding of local politics, looking to step up into a desk role. You have excellent news judgement and the ability to motivate and inspire a team.

You have the ability to write about politics and local government in an engaging and creative way, removing jargon and identifying key points of audience interest. You have first-class digital publishing skills, a firm grasp of SEO and you thrive in a fast-paced newsroom environment. You have a rigorous attention to detail and can craft strong headlines and social sells – as well as spot and act on analytics trends.

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.