Features Editor

Location: New Scientist Headquarters – London

Position: Maternity Cover (12 month FTC) - Full time

Workplace Type: Hybrid - 3 days per week at the following address: 9 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5HY

Job Introduction

We are looking for a talented features editor to join our editorial team. The successful candidate will be responsible for commissioning and editing world-class, cutting-edge features and special issues. Ideally, they will have a scientific background and experience in long-form journalism. We are particularly keen to hear from those with a specialism in physics or health but are open to applicants from all beats.

The successful candidate will be bursting with ideas, have impeccable editorial standards and time management skills, and an ability to work collaboratively across the magazine and digital space.

This role is based in London. We will consider remote working, but the successful candidate must be able to attend the office on a regular basis. They will join the features team within editorial and will report to the head of features.

To apply: Please send a CV and cover letter, which should include ideas for three features and a special issue. Maximum 1-2 paragraphs per idea.

Deadline: 31 May 2024

Main Responsibilities

• Proactively seek out, develop and pitch ideas, with a view to commissioning and editing at least 25 timely and compelling features each year
• Build contacts with freelance writers and scientists to make sure we are commissioning the best, most compelling and up to date science and technology features
• Develop feature ideas with in-house reporters across editorial
• Attend conferences in the UK and abroad where necessary
• Monitor traffic statistics and subscriptions data
• Work closely with the art and design team on making our features attractive both in print and online
• Work with the digital team and the audience development team to come up with the best way to sell our stories on digital platforms, including taking responsibility for web heads and straps, newsletter blurbs and social media sells
• Write features or contribute to special issues, and contribute to other sections of the magazine/business as required
• Attend covers meetings and contribute to the cover sells, write leaders where necessary
• Edit other content within reason when required

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Significant editing experience at a popular science publication or similar
• Preferably experience working on a weekly publication
• Significant feature writing experience
• Excellent knowledge of the cutting edge in their beat, and a demonstrable experience of science journalism in this beat
• Great relationships with scientists in your beat.
• A list of fantastic freelance writers that you have worked with and trust.
• A degree in a STEM subject, ideally
• A passionate interest in science and technology
• A good understanding of digital journalism, SEO and audience engagement
• A desire to explore new ways to tell longform stories in print and on digital platforms

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS

• Able to take initiative and a proactive attitude
• Ability to generate excellent and compelling ideas
• Ability to communicate ideas to others in a succinct and persuasive manner
• Excellent editorial judgement and an imaginative approach to science journalism
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Collaborative and able to build relationships with people at all levels
• Ability to encourage and support others
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to work effectively under pressure
• Organised
• Imaginative
• Self-starter
• Flexible and adaptive

Package Description

 Our benefits package increases the longer you’ve been with us. Here’s what to expect:

• 29 days’ holiday
• Upon joining you will be automatically enrolled onto the Pension Plan at the minimum level of 5% employee contribution, 4% Company contribution.
• Life cover under the Pension Plan of up to 4x your basic salary.
• DMGT Discounts (for discounts on online shopping, vouchers and reloadable cards)
• Subsidised canteen
• Onsite gym (Northcliffe House only)
• Onsite nurse and GP clinics (Northcliffe House only)
• Our Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted dining cards
• Private Medical Insurance – Bupa
• Flexible Working policy
• Free gym membership at Northcliffe House Gym
• Eye care assistance
• Family Friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Support
• Access to newscientist.com, New Scientist app
• Invites to NS Events

Plus many other benefits….

ABOUT NEW SCIENTIST

New Scientist is a magazine for the insatiably curious. We ask the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human. Since our publication was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”, it has expanded to include newsletters, videos, podcasts, courses and live events in the UK, US and Australia, Our headquarters are in London, UK, and we also have offices in the US and Australia.

At a time when misinformation is an increasingly corrosive force, there has never been a greater need for a trusted, impartial source of information about what is going on in the world – or a greater need for inspiration through exceptional ideas.

From artificial intelligence to climate change, the latest innovations in health to the mysteries of quantum physics and the human mind, New Scientist covers the ideas and innovations that matter.

WORKING FOR NEW SCIENTIST

New Scientist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications to New Scientist will receive due consideration regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

As an organisation, we strive for empathy, self-awareness, courage and integrity, collaboration, innovation and information seeking. All applications are reviewed in an anonymous nature and hiring managers are unable to see the personal information of applicants. This practice allows us to review skills and experience and removes bias from the recruitment process. We aim to create an inclusive environment, empowering employees and embracing diversity. We welcome all applications.