Politics News Editor

Role purpose and overview

The Politics News Editor is a senior member of the home news editing team. They will be primarily responsible for working with the lobby team to identify and develop the main news stories of the day, and to generate ideas for and oversee the delivery of exclusive news stories. 

In this capacity, they will feed in to the National News Editor and News Editor (Projects) and work closely with the Head of Breaking News.

They will help to oversee politics live blogs and the politics newsletter. 

In this role, they will need to form strong relationships with other news editors and the lobby team, including managing lobby reporters.

The role requires someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about politics, while understanding what makes a news story work for a general audience. 

They must have the energy, persistence and precision to ensure that copy and publishing plans are perfectly prosecuted and delivered to tight deadlines. They need to have the confidence to make decisions independently, while understanding when to elevate issues to more senior colleagues, including navigating legal issues.

Key responsibilities

• Identify the political stories of the day and develop new, agenda setting angles. 
• Generate ideas for exclusive political news stories, and develop and deliver these ideas. 
• Pitch ideas to the National News Editor and News Editor (Projects) and take action based on their feedback. 
• Working with lobby reporters to deliver high quality copy under tight deadlines, including editing copy to promote the strongest news lines
• Working closely with publishers to ensure the potential of stories is maximised. 
• Managing lobby reporters. 
• Helping to plan upcoming coverage of major events
• Overseeing political liveblogs and the politics newsletter

Key skills

• A proven track record of working on a news desk at a national newspaper or equivalent is essential. Some experience of news editing is desirable. 
• Very strong news judgement is essential. 
• A passion for and extensive knowledge of politics is essential. 
• An ability to make independent decisions is essential. 
• Knowledge of media law and Ipso guidelines is essential. 
• Able to form strong relationships with other news editors, reporters and publishers is essential. 
• It is vital to embrace digital content and creative ways to tell news stories to an online audience. Previous experience in this area is desirable, particularly live blogs and/or newsletters. 
• Strong ability to edit articles clearly, concisely and to house style is essential
• Good organisational skills - able to keep multiple projects on track and stakeholders up to date - are essential
• An ability to motivate others to work to high standards under pressure is essential. 
• An ability to address potential conflicts which have an impact on delivery targets and respond to shifting priorities is essential
• They must be a skilled and persuasive communicator
• Management experience is desirable.

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you'll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government's Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.