Farmer’s Weekly has a vacancy for an experienced media professional to join the title as editor of its print and online publications. This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of South Africa’s oldest and most trusted media brands and to drive the title’s editorial excellence and commercial performance.
The position requires a seasoned editor with knowledge of agriculture, economics as well as South Africa’s financial markets and political landscape to be based in the title’s Johannesburg head office.
We’re looking for someone with experience across print and digital who is commercially astute, technically savvy and possesses the efficiency of an editor on managing deadlines.
The incumbent must have the ability to manage a diverse team of full-time employees and freelance contributors.
They must also be prepared to travel occasionally as well as represent Farmer’s Weekly at events during and after hours.
The position further requires an individual who will demonstrate the drive to maintain the editorial integrity of the brand, while adapting to the changing demands of its readers. In return, we promise you the support of a talented and dedicated team, a highly collaborative environment and a diverse workload that will keep you stimulated.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Overseeing all aspects of producing a weekly magazine and its digital platforms, including content and photography layout;
- Leading, developing and managing the core editorial team;
- Developing and implementing content and marketing strategies for the brand’s publishing platforms;
- Defining and driving the commercial, digital, sales, brand development and marketing
strategy for the brand to achieve its commercial objectives; - Planning and managing the magazine’s budgets, production schedules and workloads;
- Commissioning articles from freelance writers;
- Developing and implementing the publication’s digital communication strategy and
conceptualising brand-extension products for Farmer’s Weekly; - Ensuring the magazine content adheres to industry laws and regulations;
- Training and mentoring junior journalists;
- Building and maintaining positive, professional relationships with key industry stakeholders;
- Assisting with the conceptualisation and hosting of multimedia content such as podcasts and events; and
- Attending and representing Farmer’s Weekly at industry events.
Requirements:
- Degree in journalism, communication, or business;
- At least five years’ experience in the media industry, three of which must have been in a
senior editorial managerial role; - Two to three years’ experience in people management;
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of the South African print and digital media industry;
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of social platforms and digital media;
- Must have an extensive network of industry contacts;
- Knowledge of the particular target market of the publication;
- Knowledge of the agriculture industry as well as the South African business and political
landscape; and - Valid driver’s licence and own transport.
Personal specification:
- Must be commercially astute;
- Able to write and communicate fluently in English (knowledge of other official South African languages will count in your favour);
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Must be detail and deadline oriented with excellent planning and organisational skills;
- Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment;
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and conflict-management skills
- Able to demonstrate an innovative approach to revenue generation and the promotion of
the brand; - Ensure compliance with internal editorial protocols such as publication style, editorial policy, publishing deadlines as well as external legal and other publishing requirements;
- Manage and monitor editorial costs against the budget;
- Write articles as and when required; and
- Promote the brand through media/public appearances.
Deadline for applications: 3 December 2021. Applications, together with a cover letter, must be submitted to Sada Reddhi at [email protected].
Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
