Job Vacancy: Senior Editor for House & Leisure (Associated Magazines | South Africa)

Associated Magazines is looking for a Senior Editor for House and Leisure. The Editor, a senior member of the team that represents HL in Johannesburg, will conceptualise and supply ideas, and write a substantial amount of copy for the HL main book; as well as manage and write JHB content for the HL website and social media.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To stay “in the know” and keep abreast of design, decor and lifestyle news and trends in Johannesburg through networking and attending industry events;
• To contribute monthly content from Johannesburg, including news, profiles and houses;
• To generate regular content for the HL website and social media.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Assistant Editor, based in Johannesburg. Liaise with the Editor and Deputy Editor in Cape Town.
• Works closely with the Décor Editor JHB and Junior Décor Stylist, both based in Johannesburg and the Deputy Editor, based in Cape Town.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Main responsibilities:

• To actively source, identify and contribute ideas for the monthly planning meetings. These include story ideas and leads that relate to Johannesburg lifestyle trends, events, people to profile, new shops, restaurants, precincts, news, design, architecture, art and exhibition info.
• Identifying news and trends in both the décor and leisure industries and suggesting ways in which we can cover these effectively in the magazine.
• Source houses for shooting in Johannesburg and surrounds.
• Represent House and Leisure in Johannesburg. This includes maintaining an excellent network of contacts; engaging in PR and publicity when required; offering input and assistance for special projects, expos and supplements; liaising with Johannesburg readers and PR companies; attending launches and press functions; creating a broader network for HL in Joburg and representing the magazine at promotional and networking events where required.
• Write original copy ensuring that it is factually accurate and grammatically correct, fresh, feel-good, written in HL style and tone and reflective of the magazine’s readership.
• Accompany photographers and occasionally style news, profile and smaller features.
• Generate ideas and manage/write the JHB content for the HL website, and social media.
• Ensure that all online content is on brand and written to correct HL style.

General:

• Liaise closely with Cape Town office.
• Ensure all editorial and online work is submitted on or before the allocated deadline.
• Pass on any relevant contacts / ideas commercial opportunities to the ad sales and promotions teams.
• Travel occasionally, when a story requires it.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• A minimum of three years experience as a journalist working for a magazine or newspaper.
• Adaptable writer with a love of both magazines and an appreciation for décor.
• Journalist’s eye for a story and the vision to make it look beautiful on the pages of HL.
• Assertive, proactive, able to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience in and have a good understanding of online publishing and in particular using Wordpress.
• Comfortable working within a bureau.
• Able to make and sustain varied contacts.
• Willingness to mentor and develop a junior member of staff.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A thorough knowledge of Johannesburg.
• A thorough knowledge of the South African décor and design scene.
• An understanding of international and local design and social trends
• Travel / driving required for interviews outside the office.
• Able to work outside of regular hours, on occasion, to meet required deadlines.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: apply via Associate Media's careers page

Website: http://www.assocmedia.co.za/brands/3/house-and-leisure

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