ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To write original material and, when necessary, promotional copy, ensuring that it is:
- Factually accurate and grammatically correct
- Fresh, lively, reader-friendly and cliché free
- Written in Marie Claire style and tone
- Reflective of the magazine’s readership
- Source and write items for certain set sections, specifically allocated to the features writer, each month.
- Research stories thoroughly and ensure that the best possible sources/professionals are interviewed.
- Make sure all articles are submitted on or before the allocated deadline.
- Participate constructively at monthly features meetings by sourcing and contributing story ideas.
- Keep abreast of both local and international news that is of interest to the Marie Claire reader.
- Formulate strong relationships with professionals in different fields (sources), to build up a solid list of contacts and, occasionally, to represent the magazine at functions or speak on its behalf.
- Have an interest in books, music, restaurants and socialising — and to be able to write reviews.
- To help editors needing to localise or expand copy from other sources by doing the additional research necessary.
- Be sufficiently in tune with the local scene to be able to identify the people and places that should be featured.
- When necessary, write fashion and beauty copy that is fresh, factual and on brand.
- When necessary, write copy for our website and/or mobi-site, and on our social media platforms.
- Travel occasionally, when a story requires it.
- Manages and liaises with writers, internal and external, on all editorial.
- Builds relationships with writers to ensure strong stories for the publication.
- Negotiates freelance rates (in line with Associated Magazines rates).
- Finalizes and communicates clear briefs to freelancers and staff writers, and thereafter administers content to completion.
- Liaise with the art department after features have been commissioned to discuss topics and subjects to be photographed.
- Mentors and nurtures more-junior staff writers; finds and develops new writing talent, particularly black writers.
- Keeps up-to-date on general and news knowledge.
- Maintains a strong network of contacts.
- Has a good knowledge of available syndication material (and what stories/subjects already covered).
- Convenes features meetings.
- Originates editorial ideas and sources stories, including those with local content.
- Assists the editor in compiling the features list, ensuring a balanced mix of features.
- Draws up the booklist.
- Participates in discussion of content and cover options, and assists with cover lines.
- Edits/rewrites/localises OR writes a share of the features and/or the pages for a certain section of the magazine, as agreed with editorial team.
- Writes headlines, intros and captions when necessary.
- Double-checks potentially libelous or controversial articles, asking sub-editors to return them for sign-off after lay-out.
- Helps oversee adherence to the magazine’s brand values and reader profile.
- At book make-up, checks that the flow and pace of features is good and that there aren’t any repetitions or contradictions.
- 3 to 5 years’ features-writing experience for a similarly high-profile women’s title.
- Relevant Diploma/Degree in Journalism/Media Studies
- Honest and accurate when reporting — only handing in copy once sure of all the facts in it.
- Good interviewing skills;
- Good writing style;
- Think creatively;
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
- Able to work with a team;
- Good general knowledge, to be able to write copy on a wide variety of topics.
- Strong knowledge and interest in social media
- Resourceful — able to use such research tools as the Internet.
- Keen to learn and flexible — with a willingness to adapt, cut or expand copy if that becomes necessary.
- A good team worker who can handle deadlines and work effectively under pressure
- Valid driver’s license.
For submissions: click here
Website: http://www.assocmags.co.za
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