Deputy Digital News Editor

Job Description

An opportunity exists at The Citizen in Industria West, Roodepoort for a Deputy Digital News Editor within our Digital Department (Editorial), reporting to the Digital News Editor of The Citizen. The position is full time office-based and entails rotational shifts.
Main Responsibilities:

• To compile and organise a running diary for future events and generate story ideas.
• To evaluate and make recommendations in terms of what will work well online.
• To manage, mentor and train journalists and interns in order to produce outstanding copy.
• To ensure deadlines are met.
• To line edit stories in order to identify problems such as libel or inaccuracy and to ensure complete fairness.
• To help manage the news room, making sure problems are identified and dealt with promptly.
• Monitor Citizen sister publications for relevant news stories and stories which can be repackaged and used on citizen.co.za
• Translate Afrikaans stories from Caxton News Network, to be used on citizen.co.za
• To liaise with the Digital Editor, Print Editor, Reporters, Chief Sub Editor and bureaus.
• To monitor electronic news, other newspapers and magazines, and the wires.
• To assist in hiring reporters.
• To ensure all sources in the assigned beat areas are regularly covered.
• To liaise with the multimedia department to ensure visual elements of stories.
• To assist the Digital News Editor to ensure the daily flow of news, pictures and other news material.
• Develop strategies for generating meaningful and engaging content that garners a high volume of visits and encourages awareness and excitement.
• Analyse statistics by monitoring digital platforms, website performance, traffic, engagement of audience and data available.
• Monitor analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
• Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and write with SEO and Google search in mind.
• Study and adhere to The Citizen and citizen.co.za’s Voice and Style Guide.
• Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.

• Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent.
• Bachelors or higher degree in Journalism / Linguistics or appropriate work experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mainstream journalism.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing a news desk / team of reporters.
• Advanced awareness of media law and current trends.
• Good talent for writing and copy tasting abilities.
• Ability to accurately translate copy from Afrikaans to English.
• Knowledge of Caxton News Network publications would be beneficial.

• Excellent communication skills
• Advanced computer literacy
• People management skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Good administrative skills

• Ability to work under pressure and irregular hours
• News awareness
• Self-motivated
• Deadline driven
• Team player

• Valid driver’s licence
• Own vehicle
• Good references
• No criminal record

• Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za
• Reference in subject line: Deputy Digital News Editor
• Closing date for applications: 31 July 2023
• Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.
• The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.