Editor – The House City of Westminster, England
Job description
The role
The House magazine – Parliament's in-house publication – seeks a new Editor. The role is a unique opportunity: one of the most influential and exciting jobs in British journalism, editing and growing an impartial magazine on the front line of the fast-changing, fascinating world of Westminster politics.
The House has an august history since its foundation almost 50 years ago, and is rapidly growing in scope and ambition.
The magazine offers readers world-class political journalism in print and online. Deeply reported, revelatory investigative features on public policy appear alongside agenda-setting, deeply personal interviews with prominent Parliamentarians, and comment pieces by MPs, peers, and leading experts addressing the issues of the day.
In 2022 The House was a British Journalism Awards finalist. The new Editor will have the opportunity to go further and achieve even more in the coming years.
The ideal candidate must have an exemplary track record in high quality political reporting. They will be excited by the prospect of leading a talented, highly ambitious set of reporters, designers and more, and able to bring the best out of a team.
They must possess a thorough understanding of print and online publishing process; deep knowledge of Parliamentary procedure; an extensive network of Westminster contacts; and creative, ambitious ideas for developing the magazine, its online presence, and its output in all media.
The Editor of this flagship publication will benefit from unrivalled access to Parliamentarians, an open brief to innovate within their own pages and cut through to the national media, and the opportunity to lead a talented team with a front-row seat on Westminster’s people, institutions, drama and policy debates.
About Total Politics Group
Total Politics Group specialises in media, events and training focused on politics, government and public policy. Based in Westminster’s Millbank Tower, and working flexibly, we offer an unparalleled opportunity for up-close involvement in Westminster politics. Following a recent major acquisition, we are a growing business with an expanding workforce – to learn more, visit www.totalpolitics.com
Media: Total Politics Group is the publisher of market-leading titles including: The House magazine, Parliament’s own publication; PoliticsHome, the UK’s most popular political news site; Holyrood magazine in Edinburgh; The Parliament magazine in Brussels; and Civil Service World.
Our wider business includes an active and varied programme of events, ranging from major conferences to policy-specific briefings and launches; and an expert international training business.
Key responsibilities
- Edit a print magazine of the very highest quality; and commission and manage compelling and incisive features, interviews, news stories, and comment pieces;
- Determine the editorial strategy of the magazine, including steering The House’s design, print and online presence and the brand’s expanding portfolio of off-platform ventures;
- Lead, manage and develop a team of reporters with a variety of specialisms and experience;
- Maintain our unique relationship with Parliament through good working relationships with the very highest-profile political stakeholders, including The House’s cross-party advisory board of Parliamentarians;
- Assist and support the Editor-in-Chief in working with our design and product teams, and the editors of sister titles, to ensure quality, explore innovations, build audience and capitalise on opportunities arising from membership of a wider media portfolio;
- Act as a public ambassador for the title in broadcast and other media, and by hosting/chairing events;
- Commission freelancers, illustrators and other contractors within budget;
- Manage and advise on editorial and legal issues when they arise.
Experience
- A minimum of ten years’ experience of political journalism essential;
- Degree or Postgraduate diploma in journalism desirable;
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of Westminster politics and institutions;
- A clear and ambitious vision of how to develop The House in print and online;
- An extensive contacts book across political parties and policy sectors;
- Extremely strong management, ideation, planning and organisational skills;
- Demonstrable and excellent writing and editing experience;
- Proven ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders.
Attributes
- Strong organisational abilities;
- Excellent communication skills, from managing a team to representing a brand on external outlets;
- Flexibility under pressure and amid tight deadlines in a fast-changing environment;
- An innovative approach to storytelling and a high level of creative and strategic thinking;
- Confident, proactive, and prepared to be hands-on;
- Consultative, able to work with key stakeholders, and to give and receive constructive feedback;
- Ability to creatively solve problems;
- Attention to detail.
Employee Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Flexible working
- Corporate Gym Membership Discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Life assurance of 4x salary
- Season Ticket Loan
- In-year employee awards
- Employee assistance programme
- Opportunity to benefit from the Training and Events that Total Politics Group delivers to the external market.
- Government Workplace Pension Scheme
Equal opportunity
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. Total Politics wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity.
How to Apply
If you are interested in the role, please submit your application and cover letter through our Company Careers Page: About - Total Politics
