19 March 2013

Job Vacancy: Features Writer for Marie Claire (South Africa)

Marie Claire South Africa is an iconic, trendsetting title for discerning, fashion-conscious women. It's a brand of depth and substance and offers a journalistic angle on issues not covered by other fashion magazines.

Marie Claire is for multifaceted women with a shared mind-set: they are curious about the world and empathize with other women, and their interests range from social issues to fashion trends. The brand provides content not found anywhere else in South Africa: dynamic, picture-led reportage, real women’s stories, critical reporting and sophisticated fashion and beauty across age categories.

FEATURES WRITER (Cape Town, WC)

The main responsibility is to write accurate, interesting and readable features, snippets and other copy for the publication, online, digital and social media platforms, ensuring that all text is in Marie Claire style and tone. This position will be based in Cape Town.
  • 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.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • 3 to 5 years’ features-writing experience (magazine or on-line) for a similarly high-profile
  • 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
CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: apply via Associates Magazines' careers page

Website: http://www.assocmedia.co.za/
READ NEXT:

Subscribe

IMPORTANT: Do not respond to the job ad if (a) it charges fees for registration or access to listings, trainings or other materials; (b) you are redirected to dubious or domain-flipping websites; or (c) you are subjected to take lengthy unpaid tests/trial assignments or required to submit long-form samples on very specific topics or following a very specific editorial style. Help keep this job board scam-free by reporting a scam listing to contact@writejobs.info; we will then include a warning in the post.